dark design (also know as “dark patterns”)
noun

- sets of practices designers know they can use to manipulate web users

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ORIGIN

“Dark patterns” was first coined by Harry Brignall in a blog post in 2010, the term has recently morphed in “dark design” as evidenced by the Fast Company example above.

In 2021, major players like Amazon, Apple, Google, FaceBook, Instagram, etc., are being accused of less-than-ethical behaviour regarding user-freedom to make informed decisions.

Source: UXP2 Lab (Pardue University) funded by The National Science Foundation

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SYNONYMS
for Machiavellian

unscrupulous, scheming, cunning, deceitful, conniving, cutthroat, devious, treacherous, unconscionable, calculating, underhand, double-dealing, Janus-faced, sneaky, duplicitous, disingenuous, dishonourable, low-down, knavish, two-timing,  improper, unsporting, serpentine, dastardly, hollow-hearted, below the belt, dirty-dealing, wormlike, like a snake in the grass, scam, flimflam, fly-by-night, hugger-mugger, despicable, playing games, shameful, ungentlemanly, unladylike, scungy, scummy, ill-gotten, against the rules, out of order, disgraceful, discreditable, loathsome, appalling, repugnant, scoundrelly, objectionable, off colour, inexcusable, crass, lamentable, gone to the dogs, beyond contempt, beyond the pale, uncalled for, swindling, bribable, out of keeping, unpardonable, down and dirty, off limits, rudderless, sleazo, a bit thick, Luciferian, unchivalrous, good-for-naught, low-life, unsportsmanlike, it's just not cricket

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FIND OUT MORE

To discover how Machiavellian service providers have now become, I highly recommend on YouTube:

“How Dark Patterns Trick You Online” by Nerdwriter1

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“Nowadays, beware of cookie banners requesting you to ‘accept all’ - chances are that that DARK DESIGN is gathering your data and monetizing your time-online.”

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HERZLICHEN DANK to all readers helping me keep OWAD alive with single or monthly donations at:

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Paul Smith