Dark Patterns Symbiosis Bright Patterns
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Shaming

Shaming subverts the user’s expectation that their decision is being guided by objective information and made in an informed way, instead using emotionally manipulative tactics to pressure the user to make certain choices over others in order for them to feel they have done the right thing.
Shaming
Illustration

Interaction Contexts

  • consent
  • privacy

Harmed Goals

  • comprehension
  • control

Symbiosis

Bright alternatives to this dark pattern

  • Plain and Empowering Language
    Presents choices with neutral, respectful language that doesn't shame users for declining options or services.
    View pair →

Examples

Evotech

Source
The user has a choice between "Get Discount" and "No, thank you. I'm happy to pay more"
The user has a choice between "Get Discount" and "No, thank you. I'm happy to pay more"

Selfmade Example

The user is pressured into singing up by saying that the user will waste money if missing out
The user is pressured into singing up by saying that the user will waste money if missing out

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.

Source not found.
Paul Bertram 2026
Impressum Datenschutz

Source not found.

Sources

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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.