Click, Trap, Repeat: Dark Patterns and the Illusion of Choice in the Digital Market

Title

Click, Trap, Repeat: Dark Patterns and the Illusion of Choice in the Digital Market

Creator

Akanksha

Description

This chapter will look into how AI has transformed the traditional methods of dark patterns, which are deceptive, manipulative designs used to trick users into decisions that wouldnt have been made if such patterns were not introduced. It will analyse how such patterns use predictive reasonings across e-commerce, social media, and fintech platforms, influencing consumer behavior and their decision-making. The chapter highlights the wide regulatory gap in addressing the manipulations and ethical implications by drawing on global developments from the European Union, the United States, and Asia. The study aims to provide a multidisciplinary understanding of how AI boosts digital deception and to propose a legal framework that safeguards user autonomy, promotes transparency, and ensures accountability in an AI-mediated consumer environment Copyright 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global Scientific Publishing is prohibited. Use of this chapter to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is expressly prohibited. The publisher reserves all rights to license its use for generative AI training and machine learning model development.

Source

AI Transformations in Global Legal Systems;pp.355-389

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

IGI Global Scientific Publishing

Coverage

Akanksha, Christ University, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISBN: 979-833737687-5; 979-833737685-1; 979-833737686-8;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Book chapter

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-7685-1.ch011

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105040326243?origin=resultslist