Dark Patterns Symbiosis Bright Patterns
Dark Pattern › ›

Attention Capture

Attention Capture subverts the user’s expectation that they have rational control over the time they spend using a system, instead tricking them into spending more time or other resources to continue use for longer than they otherwise would.
Attention Capture
Illustration

Interaction Contexts

  • navigation

Harmed Goals

  • time

Symbiosis

Bright alternatives to this dark pattern

  • Usage limits
    Limits usage time to healthy levels to promote digital well-being.
    View pair →
  • Healthy alternative/5-a-day
    Suggests quality content that discourages mindless consumption while respecting user well-being.
    View pair →

Pattern Levels

High-Level Patterns Strategy Domain & Context Diagnostic (abstract)

High-level patterns include general strategies that can be employed through a range of modalities and technologies and application types

Meso-Level Patterns Angle of Attack Domain & Context Diagnostic (interpretable)

Meso-level patterns describe a context-agnostic angle of attack and may be interpreted in relation to context based on the specific modality or application type

Low-Level Patterns Means of Execution Domain & Context Specific (situated)

Low-level patterns are situated and contextually dependent, including specific means of execution

Diagram: High (strategy, diagnostic), Meso (angle of attack, still diagnostic), Low (means of execution, context specific). Integrated textual descriptions appear within each layer.

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Paul Bertram 2026
Impressum Datenschutz

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Pattern Levels

High-Level Patterns Strategy Domain & Context Diagnostic (abstract)

High-level patterns include general strategies that can be employed through a range of modalities and technologies and application types

Meso-Level Patterns Angle of Attack Domain & Context Diagnostic (interpretable)

Meso-level patterns describe a context-agnostic angle of attack and may be interpreted in relation to context based on the specific modality or application type

Low-Level Patterns Means of Execution Domain & Context Specific (situated)

Low-level patterns are situated and contextually dependent, including specific means of execution

Diagram: High (strategy, diagnostic), Meso (angle of attack, still diagnostic), Low (means of execution, context specific). Integrated textual descriptions appear within each layer.