At first glance, many dark patterns seem like mere annoyances. One common trick, for example, is to display a preselected check box that subscribes you to marketing email unless you untick it. Worst case outcome: more spam email.

But under the mildly irritating surface, there’s potential for real harm. Nudges toward pricey subscriptions or away from options to keep your data private help companies make money at your expense.

Waddell, K. (2023, April 17). Your smart devices are trying to manipulate you with ‘dark patterns’. Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/internet-of-things/smart-devices-trying-to-manipulate-you-with-dark-patterns-a6366326597/

Experts say it’s worth being extra aware of the way smart devices quietly nudge your behavior. Internet-connected speakers and cameras often record audio and video in or around your home, so a push toward an invasive data-gathering feature could be particularly harmful. Plus, the simple controls on many devices mean that users have less access to important settings like privacy options. For example, you might have to go exploring deep in a companion app to a video doorbell to find a setting that would be easily accessible on a website.