> These are examples of “dark patterns,” the techniques that companies use online to get consumers to sign up for things, keep subscriptions they might otherwise cancel or turn over more personal data.
But I wouldn't agree with that description. I've always thought of a dark pattern as something inherently trying to trick you or otherwise do some deceptive. From wikipedia [1],
> A dark pattern (also known as a “deceptive design pattern”) is "a user interface that has been carefully crafted to trick users into doing things, such as buying overpriced insurance with their purchase or signing up for recurring bills"
Using that definition, I wouldn't say that describes how NYT's paywall works. Also, NYT literally explained how the fucking system works—How is that a dark pattern then?
This is a trash article that's attempting to make something out of nothing.
I think I agree with you that this isn't strictly a dark pattern. And dark patterns are generally not tricks per se, just... subtle differences. Putting the unsubscribe button in a 2nd level menu is a classic. I happen to know someone who was tasked with ordering pizza toppings selection in a way to encourage people to choosing the cheaper options.
But whatever we call it, I think this journalist is making a strong point, which is basically hypocrisy.
The media has decided that technology is bad now. So it's just desserts to call NYT on their hypocrisy.
I dont want to make this too political, but I think they project their vulnerability onto technology for their industry's downfall, Trump's win, and cap it off with the racist and sexist 'techbro' slur. They are upset to not be the arbiters of truth any longer.
On the other hand it IS being critizied that air lines or online dealers set different pieces depending on e.g. if you use an iPhone or an Android phone.
