Online Simulation of Dark Patterns

Project by Polygence alum Anika

Online Simulation of Dark Patterns

Project's result

I created a reesearch paper and online simulation. The research paper covered the various different psychological effects of dark patterns on a human. I created a dark pattern online simulation website for people to become more educated about dark patterns.

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Summary

Dark patterns are design elements in a website/app (or any online interface) that are designed to trick users into performing certain actions on the interface. With the use of human psychology and UI/UX, web engineers can manipulate users into completing an action without their knowledge. Through dark patterns, the users can often be negatively impacted, while the web publisher benefits. Dark patterns have become highly prevalent recently amongst online sites, and they are difficult to catch and avoid. A simulation of some of the most frequently used dark patterns may help online users keep themselves safe and protected. My project consists of a series of dark pattern simulations. With this project, I will create a platform in which users can be educated about dark patterns, and notice them more easily while browsing the internet.

David

David

Polygence mentor

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

Subjects

Quantitative, Neuroscience, Computer Science

Expertise

neural signal processing, data science and statistics, AI/ML for medical applications

Anika

Anika

Student

Hi! My name is Anika and my Polygence project is on Dark Patterns. I created a Dark Patterns Simulation website (https://dark-pattern-simulation.bubbleapps.io/version-test/home_page?), along with a research paper displaying my findings. I chose to focus my project on Dark Patterns, as I believed that this project would be beneficial towards many. Dark patterns are all around us, and it's important to be educated about them.

School

Independence High School

Graduation Year

2025