References
81 sources behind the catalogue — DOI-linked scholarship where available, plus books, reports, legal sources, and selected primary web sources that document a mechanism directly. Each card opens the full citation, with BibTeX and CSL-JSON exports.
Papers (61)
A game of dark patterns: Designing healthy, highly-engaging mobile games
Aagaard, Jacob; Knudsen, Miria Emma Clausen; Bækgaard, Per; Doherty, Kevin
Extended Abstracts of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA '22)
doi.org/10.1145/3491101.3519837Conceptualizations of user autonomy within the normative evaluation of dark patterns
Ahuja, S.; Kumar, J.
Ethics and Information Technology
doi.org/10.1007/s10676-022-09672-9Problematic monetization in mobile games in the context of the human right to economic self-determination
Bank, D.
Computers in Human Behavior
doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107958When the implication is not to design (technology)
Baumer, Eric P. S.; Silberman, M. Six
Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '11)
doi.org/10.1145/1978942.1979275"I am definitely manipulated, even when I am aware of it. It's ridiculous!" – Dark patterns from the end-user perspective
Bongard-Blanchy, K.; Rossi, A.; Rivas, S.; Doublet, S., et al.
Proceedings of the 2021 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS '21)
doi.org/10.1145/3461778.3462086The gamblification of digital games
Brock, T.; Johnson, M. R.
Journal of Consumer Culture
doi.org/10.1177/1469540521993904Theorizing deception: A scoping review of theory in research on dark patterns and deceptive design
Chang, W. J.; Seaborn, K.; Adams, A. A.
Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA '24)
doi.org/10.1145/3613905.3650997Deceptive design patterns in safety technologies: A case study of the Citizen app
Chordia, I.; Tran, L.-P.; Tayebi, T. J.
Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3544548.3581258Malicious interface design: Exploiting the user
Conti, G.; Sobiesk, E.
Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on World Wide Web (WWW '10)
doi.org/10.1145/1772690.1772719Finding dark patterns in casual mobile games using heuristic evaluation
Dahlan, Refal Pradama; Susanty, Meredita
PETIR
doi.org/10.33322/petir.v15i2.1151Understanding the mechanics and consumer risks associated with play-to-earn (P2E) gaming
Delfabbro, P.; King, D. L.
Journal of Behavioral Addictions
doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00066UI dark patterns and where to find them: A study on mobile applications and user perception
Di Geronimo, L.; Braz, L.; Fregnan, E.; Palomba, F., et al.
Proceedings of the 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3313831.3376600Video game loot boxes are psychologically akin to gambling
Drummond, A.; Sauer, J. D.
Nature Human Behaviour
doi.org/10.1038/s41562-018-0360-1Contextualizing deceit in videogames
Duarte, L.
Entertainment Computing
doi.org/10.1016/j.entcom.2017.07.001A theory of social comparison processes
Festinger, L.
Human Relations
doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202Pay to win or pay to cheat: How players of competitive online games perceive fairness of in-game purchases
Freeman, G.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CHI PLAY)
doi.org/10.1145/3549510Meta-analysis of the relationship between problem gambling, excessive gaming and loot box spending
Garea, S. S.; Drummond, A.; Sauer, J. D.; Hall, L. C., et al.
International Gambling Studies
doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2021.1914705On power and freedom: Extending the definition of coercion
Goltz, S. M.
Perspectives on Behavior Science
doi.org/10.1007/s40614-019-00240-zThe dark (patterns) side of UX design
Gray, C. M.; Kou, Y.; Battles, B.; Hoggatt, J., et al.
Proceedings of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3173574.3174108End user accounts of dark patterns as felt manipulation
Gray, C. M.; Chen, J.; Chivukula, S. S.; Qu, L.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW2)
doi.org/10.1145/3479516An ontology of dark patterns knowledge: Foundations, definitions, and a pathway for shared knowledge-building
Gray, C. M.; Santos, C. T.; Bielova, N.; Mildner, T.
Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642436Ludic unreliability and deceptive game design
Gualeni, S.; Vella, D.
Journal of the Philosophy of Games
doi.org/10.5617/jpg.8722From motivating to manipulative: The use of deceptive design in a game's free-to-play transition
Hadan, H.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CHI PLAY)
doi.org/10.1145/3677074"They're scamming me": How children experience and conceptualize harm in game monetization
Hardwick, T.
Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3706598.3713611Balancing ethics, art and economics: A qualitative analysis of game designer perspectives on monetisation
Karlsen, F.
Games and Culture
doi.org/10.1177/15554120211049579Identifying dark patterns in user account disabling interfaces: Content analysis results
Kelly, D.
Social Media + Society
doi.org/10.1177/20563051231224269Predatory monetization schemes in video games (e.g. 'loot boxes') and internet gaming disorder
King, D. L.; Delfabbro, P. H.
Addiction
doi.org/10.1111/add.14286Video game monetization (e.g., 'loot boxes'): A blueprint for practical social responsibility measures
King, D. L.; Delfabbro, P. H.
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-0009-3Investigating players' perceptions of deceptive design practices within a 3D gameplay context
King, J.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CHI PLAY)
doi.org/10.1145/3611053What makes XR dark? Examining emerging dark patterns in augmented and virtual reality through expert co-design
Krauß, V.; Saeghe, P.; Boden, A.
ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction
doi.org/10.1145/3660340Dark patterns at scale: Findings from a crawl of 11K shopping websites
Mathur, A.; Acar, G.; Friedman, M. J.; Lucherini, E., et al.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW)
doi.org/10.1145/3359183What makes a dark pattern... dark? Design attributes, normative considerations, and measurement methods
Mathur, A.; Kshirsagar, M.; Mayer, J.
Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3411764.3445610Dark patterns in online gambling: A scoping review and classification of deceptive design practices
McGarrigle, J.
Journal of Behavioral Addictions
doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00096Defending against the dark arts: Recognising dark patterns in social media
Mildner, T.; Freye, M.; Savino, G.-L.
Proceedings of the 2023 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS '23)
doi.org/10.1145/3563657.3595964A comparative study of how people with and without ADHD recognise and avoid dark patterns on social media
Mildner, T.
Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3706598.3713776Towards understanding the dark patterns that steal our attention
Monge Roffarello, A.; De Russis, L.
Extended Abstracts of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3491101.3519829Defining and identifying attention capture deceptive designs in digital interfaces
Monge Roffarello, A.; Lukoff, K.; De Russis, L.
Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3544548.3580729Dark patterns meet the Gamer's Dilemma: Contrasting morally objectionable content with systems in video games
Montefiore, Thomas; Formosa, Paul
Games and Culture
doi.org/10.1177/15554120251319173Dark patterns: Past, present, and future
Narayanan, A.; Mathur, A.; Chetty, M.; Kshirsagar, M.
Queue
doi.org/10.1145/3400899.3400901Sludge, dark patterns and dark nudges: A taxonomy of online gambling platforms' deceptive design features
Newall, P. W. S.
Addiction
doi.org/10.1111/add.70085Challenges of designing consent: Consent mechanics in video games as models for interactive user agency
Nguyen, J.; Ruberg, B.
Proceedings of the 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3313831.3376827Prevalence and salience of problematic microtransactions in top-grossing mobile and PC games: A content analysis of user reviews
Petrovskaya, E.; Deterding, S.; Zendle, D.
Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3491102.3502056Predatory monetisation? A categorisation of unfair, misleading and aggressive monetisation techniques in digital games from the player perspective
Petrovskaya, E.; Zendle, D.
Journal of Business Ethics
doi.org/10.1007/s10551-021-04970-6Prevalence and characteristics of manipulative design in mobile applications used by children
Radesky, J.; Hiniker, A.; McLaren, C.; Akgun, E., et al.
JAMA Network Open
doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.17641Ethical tensions in UX design practice: Exploring the fine line between persuasion and manipulation in online interfaces
Sánchez Chamorro, L.; Bongard-Blanchy, K.; Koenig, V.
Proceedings of the 2023 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference
doi.org/10.1145/3563657.3596013Resisting the 'Matrix': Perceptions of manipulative designs among vulnerable users
Sánchez Chamorro, L.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction
doi.org/10.1145/3757652Growing up with dark patterns: How children perceive malicious user interface designs
Schäfer, R.; Sahabi, S.; Brocker, A.
Proceedings of the 13th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (NordiCHI '24)
doi.org/10.1145/3679318.3685358Fighting malicious designs: Towards visual countermeasures against dark patterns
Schäfer, R.; Preuschoff, P. M.; Röpke, R.
Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642661Lying and deception in games
Sobel, J.
Journal of Political Economy
doi.org/10.1086/704754The dark side of fun: Understanding dark patterns and literacy needs in early childhood mobile gaming
Sousa, C.; Oliveira, A. F.
Proceedings of the European Conference on Games Based Learning
doi.org/10.34190/ecgbl.17.1.1656Loot boxes, problem gambling and problem video gaming: A systematic review and meta-synthesis
Spicer, S. G.; Nicklin, L. L.; Uther, M.; Lloyd, J., et al.
New Media & Society
doi.org/10.1177/14614448211027175All 'dark patterns' are 'hostile patterns': A hostility framework for understanding problematic digital interfaces
Timms, R. G.
Ethics and Information Technology
doi.org/10.1007/s10676-025-09856-zSocial comparison, social media, and self-esteem
Vogel, E. A.; Rose, J. P.; Roberts, L. R.; Eckles, K.
Psychology of Popular Media Culture
doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000047Nudging and manipulation
Wilkinson, T. M.
Political Studies
doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9248.2012.00974.xLies, deceit, and hallucinations: Player perception and expectations regarding trust and deception in games
Yin, M.
Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642253Dark patterns in the design of games
Zagal, José P.; Björk, Staffan; Lewis, Chris
Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games (FDG 2013)
my.eng.utah.edu/~zagal/Papers/Zagal_et_al_DarkPatterns.pdfLoot boxes are again linked to problem gambling: Results of a replication study
Zendle, D.; Meyer, R.; Over, H.
PLoS ONE
doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213194Beyond loot boxes: A variety of gambling-like practices in video games are linked to both problem gambling and disordered gaming
Zendle, D.
PeerJ
doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9466More than just microtransactions: Predatory monetization in user-generated games
Zhang, Z.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CHI PLAY)
doi.org/10.1145/3748626First contact with dark patterns and deceptive designs in Chinese and Japanese free-to-play mobile games
Zhang, G. X.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CHI PLAY)
doi.org/10.1145/3748620Deceptively Intimate: The threat of romantic mechanics in video games
Zhang, Gloria Xiaodan; Seaborn, Katie
Companion Proceedings of the Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play (CHI PLAY Companion '25)
doi.org/10.1145/3744736.3749332Books & chapters (5)
Deceptive Patterns: Exposing the Tricks Tech Companies Use to Control You
Brignull, Harry
www.deceptive.design/bookExploited or engaged? Dark game design patterns in Clicker Heroes, FarmVille 2, and World of Warcraft
Karlsen, F.
Transgression in Games and Play
doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/11550.003.0019Dark Patterns, Deceptive Design, and the Law: AI's Hidden Influence on Our Digital Experience
Leiser, Mark
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/dark-patterns-deceptive-design-and-the-law-9781509987085/Temporal dark patterns
Lewis, C.
Irresistible Apps: Motivational Design Patterns for Apps, Games, and Web-based Communities
doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4302-6422-4_9From dark patterns to fair patterns? Usable taxonomy to contribute solving the issue with countermeasures
Potel-Saville, M.; Da Rocha, M.
Privacy and Identity Management
doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-61089-9_7Reports (7)
Best Friends, Streaks, and the Solar System
Team Snapchat
newsroom.snap.com/best-friends-streaks-and-the-solar-systemDeceptive Design (formerly Dark Patterns)
Brignull, Harry
www.deceptive.design/Dark patterns in video games
DarkPattern.games
www.darkpattern.games/How do Friend Solar Systems work?
Snapchat Support
help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/8098318922516-How-do-Friend-Solar-Systems-workTrick wording
Deceptive Design
deceptive.design/types/trick-wording/Game-check: Development, application and visualization of a classification system for behavioral design in games
van Rooij, A. J.; Birk, M. V.; van der Hof, S.; Oostenbach, K., et al.
osf.io/5qzda/What do my Friend Emojis mean on Snapchat?
Snapchat Support
help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012335460372-What-do-my-Friend-Emojis-mean-on-SnapchatLegal & regulatory (8)
A theory of exploitation for consumer law: Online choice architectures, dark patterns, and autonomy violations
Brenncke, M.
Journal of Consumer Policy
doi.org/10.1007/s10603-023-09554-7Choice architectures in the digital economy: Towards a new understanding of digital vulnerability
Helberger, N.; Sax, M.; Strycharz, J.
Journal of Consumer Policy
doi.org/10.1007/s10603-021-09500-5Unfair play? Video games as exploitative monetized services: An examination of game patents from a consumer protection perspective
King, D. L.; Delfabbro, P. H.
Computers in Human Behavior
doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.07.017Shining a light on dark patterns
Luguri, J. B.; Strahilevitz, L. J.
Journal of Legal Analysis
doi.org/10.1093/jla/laaa006The exploitation of vulnerability through personalised marketing communication: Are consumers protected?
Strycharz, J.; Duivenvoorde, B.
Internet Policy Review
doi.org/10.14763/2021.4.1585"Don't gamble with children's rights" — How behavioral design impacts the right of children to a playful and healthy game environment
van der Hof, S.; van Hilten, S.; Ouburg, S.; Birk, M. V., et al.
Frontiers in Digital Health
doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2022.822933Regulating gambling-like video game loot boxes: A public health framework comparing industry self-regulation, existing national legal approaches, and other potential approaches
Xiao, L. Y.; Henderson, L. L.; Nielsen, R. K. L.
Current Addiction Reports
doi.org/10.1007/s40429-022-00424-9Breaking ban: Belgium's ineffective gambling law regulation of video game loot boxes
Xiao, L. Y.
Collabra: Psychology
doi.org/10.1525/collabra.57641