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Exploitative Patternsin Games

Digital vulnerability

Vulnerability as a universal, situational property of the choice architecture — not just a few 'vulnerable groups'.

Digital vulnerability is architectural, relational, and data-driven: everyone is situationally vulnerable online, because the environment can detect and act on momentary states. This reframing explains why exploitative design can harm even competent adults, not only protected groups.

See also

References

  1. Helberger, N.; Sax, M.; Strycharz, J. (2021). Choice architectures in the digital economy: Towards a new understanding of digital vulnerability. Journal of Consumer Policy. doi.org/10.1007/s10603-021-09500-5 · citing patterns
  2. Strycharz, J.; Duivenvoorde, B. (2021). The exploitation of vulnerability through personalised marketing communication: Are consumers protected?. Internet Policy Review. doi.org/10.14763/2021.4.1585 · citing patterns