Daily Current Affairs : 5-August-2024
An examination revealed that 52 out of the top 53 Indian apps use misleading design practices known as dark patterns. These deceptive tactics affect user autonomy and informed decision-making, often tricking users into making choices they might not fully understand or agree with.
Common Dark Patterns Found in Indian Apps
The study identified several types of dark patterns commonly used by these apps. Some of the most prevalent practices include:
- Privacy Deception: Apps often hide or mislead users about how their personal data will be used or shared.
- Interface Interference: The app’s design makes it difficult for users to navigate, understand key information, or make informed choices.
- Drip Pricing: Initially, users are shown a low price, but hidden fees or charges are added as they progress through the purchase process.
- False Urgency: Apps create a sense of urgency (e.g., “Only 2 items left!”) to pressure users into making quick, uninformed decisions.
Popular Apps Involved
The study highlights that some of the most popular Indian apps, including Netflix, Ola, and Swiggy, are using these deceptive strategies. These apps are incredibly popular, with a combined total of 21 billion downloads, meaning millions of users are impacted by these dark patterns.
Privacy Deception as the Most Common Dark Pattern
The study revealed that privacy deception is the most widespread dark pattern, found in 79% of the apps examined. This means that many users are unaware of how their personal information is being collected, used, or shared by these apps.
Health-Tech Apps Most Affected
The study also found that health-tech apps show the highest incidence of dark patterns. These deceptive tactics are also common in other sectors, including travel booking apps and e-commerce platforms.
Important Points:
- 52 out of the top 53 Indian apps use deceptive design practices known as dark patterns.
- These dark patterns affect user autonomy and hinder informed decision-making.
- Common dark patterns include:
- Privacy deception (misleading users about data usage)
- Interface interference (making it hard to find key information)
- Drip pricing (adding hidden fees after the initial price)
- False urgency (creating pressure to make quick decisions)
- Popular apps using dark patterns include Netflix, Ola, and Swiggy.
- These apps have been downloaded 21 billion times in total.
- The most prevalent dark pattern is privacy deception, found in 79% of the apps.
- Health-tech apps show the highest occurrence of dark patterns, followed by travel booking and e-commerce apps.
- The use of dark patterns undermines user trust and raises concerns about ethical design practices in the app industry.
Why In News
A study revealed that 52 out of the top 53 Indian apps employ deceptive design practices known as dark patterns, which manipulate users into making choices that may not align with their true intentions, ultimately compromising user autonomy and informed decision-making. These tactics exploit psychological tricks to steer users toward actions they might not fully understand or agree with.
MCQs about Misleading Design Practices in Indian Apps
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What is the primary concern with the use of “dark patterns” in Indian apps?
A. They enhance user experience.
B. They make apps easier to navigate.
C. They manipulate users into making uninformed decisions.
D. They provide better privacy protection.
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Which dark pattern is most commonly found in Indian apps, according to the study?
A. Interface interference
B. False urgency
C. Drip pricing
D. Privacy deception
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Which category of apps shows the highest occurrence of dark patterns?
A. E-commerce apps
B. Health-tech apps
C. Travel booking apps
D. Social media apps
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