Common UX dark patterns to avoid

Dark patterns in UX design are deceptive strategies that trick users into actions they might not ordinarily take, such as unintentionally signing up for newsletters or clicking on disguised advertisements. While these tactics can temporarily boost metrics like conversion rates and ad revenue, they often lead to long-term negative consequences, including user annoyance, decreased trust, and increased churn. Common dark patterns include disguised advertisements, confirm-sharing, misdirection, bait and switch, unfriendly defaults, and sneaking unwanted items into shopping carts. Despite the short-term gains, dark patterns can harm both users and businesses, as users eventually recognize and avoid such manipulative designs. Instead, designers are encouraged to focus on ethical practices, clear value propositions, and user-centric alternatives that build trust and foster sustainable engagement.