The Dark Side of Design: How Dark Patterns Shape Our Digital Choices

by Woo Yi Ting

Have you ever tried cancelling a subscription online — only to be met with guilt-tripping messages like “Are you sure you want to miss out?” or “Your friends will miss you!”? Or maybe you’ve signed up for a “free trial” that quietly charges your card after a week? These experiences aren’t just bad design. They’re intentional.