Work

Resisting the 'Matrix': Perceptions of Manipulative Designs Among Vulnerable Users

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Scholars and policymakers are increasingly interested in designing interventions to mitigate harms associated to manipulative designs - so-called ''dark patterns''. However, the experiences of those who are more likely to suffer harms - i.e. users in positions of vulnerability - remain understudied. This work presents an interview study to understand how users in situations of vulnerability perceive and resist manipulative designs (N=19). The findings explain how participants normalised the presence of manipulative designs, how socio-technical aspects mediate interactions with these designs, and their resistance strategies. Lastly, this paper discusses the relationship between socio-digital inequalities and vulnerability to manipulative designs, providing directions for further research to tackle vulnerability by design.

Source: Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction

DOI: 10.1145/3757652

Author: Lorena Sánchez Chamorro

Institution: University of Twente

Language: English

Topic: Innovative Human-Technology Interaction

Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Université du Luxembourg, Fonds National de la Recherche Luxembourg, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek