Japanese Consumers and Dark Patterns: Updated Feb. 16, 2024

 

More than 40% of consumers fall prey to 'dark pattern' sites: survey

Article Source: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231211/p2g/00m/0bu/012000c

Article:

FUKUOKA (Kyodo) -- More than 40 percent of consumers in Japan have fallen prey to deceptive web or app designs known as "dark patterns" that trick them into making choices they would not have otherwise made, according to a recent survey by a Japanese web design company.

The online survey, taken in August with 799 respondents between the ages of 18 and 69, found 46.1 percent of respondents had been swindled by dark patterns, while 68.8 percent said they had seen such designs, Concent Inc. said in late November.

Examples include unintentionally signing up to subscription-based purchases or feeling inclined to purchase an item due to misleading "limited stock" notices.

Ideas:

Its unfortunately, even in Japan, that there are immoral or unethical people trying to take advantage of consumers.

It happens in every country so consumers/people need to be aware of such practices. Especially if you want to buy from a foreign website and maybe they can trick you into using your credit cards.

Yes, limited stock notices seems to be a big one as they often say "only 1 left" or "only a few left" as a way to get you to buy quickly.

Article:

Among seven examples of dark patterns, the most commonly experienced was site visitors being asked to register for membership when they only wanted to browse products, at 46.3 percent, followed by 43.9 percent who said important information was presented in small fonts.

A total of 40.3 percent said it had been arduous or time consuming to cancel memberships or subscriptions, while 29.2 percent said subscriptions were displayed as if they were one-time purchases.

In a multiple-choice question regarding countermeasures, 76.3 percent said consumers needed to be vigilant, 71.8 percent said legislation was required and 71.0 percent answered that companies should endeavor not to use dark patterns.

Ideas:

Unfortunately, it seems government either don't have the resources needed to monitor the internet and or don't have the correct legislation to combat unethical practices.

Its not like this just happened with the Internet and online shopping, as Home Shopping TV programs, at times, can be just as unethical in how they offer products and or mislead consumers with outrageous claims about the products.

Many years ago, when I was much younger this happened to me with an insurance plan that I didn't really know about but the company, or agent was very unethical in how they presented the product.

It seems memberships plans are the worst scheme and consumers don't know they are signing up for the membership when all they wanted to do was buy a product one time.

And small lettering ads are another major problem, as unfortunately maybe its not against the law to use small print or lettering for important information.

Article:

"It's important to be able to recognize dark patterns in order to avoid becoming a victim," said Miki Kawasaki, who conducted the research.

Ideas:

Unfortunately, many consumers, globally, don't know how to recognize ethical websites and unethical websites, and the same with Home Shopping programs.

And its even worse for the elderly, who are easy victims of schemes because of their maybe lack of expertise using the Internet and or stressed about their financial situation or health.

There needs to be more legislation as a way to combat unethical people who try to cheat consumers out of their money.

And again, its like the big multi-media companies who say they will monitor bullying on their websites but don't do anything, as controversy increases more views and increases ad revenue.

Most likely the "dark patterns" are not going to change as their are always unethical people trying to take advantage of consumers.

Another example, which I experienced in 2020 for a refund for an airline ticket just before the pandemic was starting. I asked for a refund, and only got a small amount from a $300 ticket. While maybe not illegal its sure felt unethical as the company didn't give me a full refund.

Have a nice day and be safe!