Editing Dark pattern (section)

== Common types and examples ==
Research has identified numerous specific dark patterns, with one comprehensive study proposing a taxonomy comprising 68 distinct types. These manifest across various industries and digital contexts.

=== Obstruction patterns ===
These designs make desired actions (like rejecting tracking) significantly more difficult than accepting alternatives. A classic example is the ''Roach Motel'' pattern, where signing up for a service is straightforward but cancellation is excessively difficult. The FTC highlighted this pattern in their case against ABCmouse, where cancellation was made "extremely difficult" despite promising "Easy Cancellation."

=== Interface interference ===
This category includes designs that manipulate interface elements to steer user behavior. Misdirection focuses user attention on one element to obscure another critical detail. Disguised ads blend advertisements with genuine interface elements, like fake "Download" buttons on software websites.<ref name=":0"/>

=== Forced action ===
These patterns require users to complete unnecessary actions to access desired functionality. Forced registration demands that users create an account to complete a task. Forced continuity involves automatically transitioning users from free trials to paid subscriptions without adequate notification. The FTC alleged that Adobe violated regulations by ''"tricking customers into enrolling in subscription plans without proper disclosure."''<ref name=":0"/><ref name=":8">{{cite web |title=FTC Charges Adobe |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/06/ftc-charges-adobe-two-company-executives-hiding-early-termination-fees-making-it-difficult-cancel |publisher=Federal Trade Commission |date=June 17, 2024}}</ref>

=== Sneaking and information hiding ===
These practices involve concealing or obscuring material information from users. Hidden costs reveal unexpected fees only at checkout, a practice employed by ticketing platforms. Drip pricing advertises only part of a product's total price initially and then imposes other mandatory charges later.<ref name=":0"/> 

=== Social proof and urgency ===
These patterns exploit social influence and time pressure to manipulate decisions. False activity messages misrepresent site activity or product popularity. False scarcity creates pressure to buy immediately by claiming limited inventory. Baseless countdown timers display fake countdown clocks that reset when expired.