Exploring the Impact of Online Manipulation and Deceptive Patterns on Vulnerable Communities

Abstract

Deceptive patterns are user interface strategies used by designers to manipulate users into doing things they did not intend to do (Brignull et al. 2023). These design patterns cost internet users time, money, data privacy, among other social and psychological consequences. People from vulnerable populations including ethnic minorities, the socioeconomically disadvantaged, and the elderly are at higher risk of digital harm because of their positionality. This thesis explores the impacts of deceptive patterns on vulnerable communities, focusing on effects, felt emotions, and coping strategies of individuals in the context of their socio-cultural background. While the goal of the thesis is to reveal the impacts of deceptive patterns, participants shared a variety of insights that shed light on larger themes of online manipulation and how people experience the internet. The discussion concludes with an exploration of interventions to mitigate the negative effects of malicious online practices on vulnerable internet users.