Reflecting on Attention Technology and Dark Patterns
What a fascinating week of readings and video content! I was particularly drawn to three of this week’s resources, as there were many connections to be made. Harris (2017) delves deeply into technology’s “race for our attention” and provides insight into the ways in which companies, such as Facebook, YouTube, Netflix and Snapchat very intentionally control our behaviour by simply gaining our attention. Autoplays, notifications, streaks and outrage are but a few of the tactics used to persuade our thoughts and actions (Harris, 2017). What Harris so clearly points out, is that this grand psychological orchestration is really rooted in profitability.
Jumping over to dark patterns, there are some correlations that can be made. As with the “race for attention” pointed out by Harris (2017), dark patterns are ultimately utilized to maximize profitability; however, rather than making themselves known, they tend to operate in the shadows. Dark patterns gain attention through deception rooted in a thorough understanding of human psychology (Brignull, 2011). “It’s actually quite simple to take our understanding of human psychology and flip it over to the dark side” (Brignull, 2011). The Nerdwriter (2018) walks us through several of the tactics used under the umbrella of dark patterns, including roach motel, hidden costs and misdirection.
After engaging with each of the resources this week, it has become apparent that I’m just one of the billions of users affected by attention economy and dark patterns. I’ve certainly found myself in the depths of a roach motel or two, and have fallen victim to disguised ads. The message that seems clear from both sides, is that knowledge and awareness are the first steps in taking back personal agency. Harris (2017) talks about the importance of acknowledging the fact that we are persuadable, and through this acceptance, we have greater control over the way we behave and respond. In many of the resources examining dark patterns, the same message is provided. By developing an awareness and understanding of dark patterns and their various forms, we are more likely to avoid their negative effects.
References
Brignull, H. (2011). Dark Patterns: Deception vs. Honesty in UI Design. Interaction Design, Usability, 338.
Harris, T. How a Handful of Tech Companies Control Billions of Mind Every Day (July 28, 2017) [YouTube]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/C74amJRp730
The Nerdwriter. How Dark Patterns Trick You Online (March 28, 2018) [YouTube]. Retrieved from https://youtube.com/watch?v=xYjDvx6Pgy