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Interactive Guide

Can you spot the dark patterns?

Retailers use subtle tricks to make you spend more. Click through this simulated checkout and tap anything that looks suspicious. We’ll tell you if you’re right.

Checkout
Review
Results
Patterns found: 0 of 5 Screen 1 of 2

Tap anything that feels off…

shop.example.com/checkout
Only 2 left at this price — offer ends in 09:59
Urgency trap
Order summary
Wireless headphones — Black $79.00
Qty: 1 In stock
Add-ons
Premium 2-year warranty$12.99
Covers accidental damage and manufacturer defects
Pre-ticked box
Next-day express delivery$8.99
Guaranteed by tomorrow
Price breakdown
Subtotal$91.99
Standard shipping$4.99
Service & handling fee$3.49
Environmental recovery levy$1.99
Payment processing fee$0.99
Total$103.45
Hidden fees
Patterns found: 0 of 5 Screen 2 of 2

Two more patterns on this page…

shop.example.com/checkout/review
Choose delivery
Express — next day
Guaranteed by tomorrow before 9pm
$8.99 Recommended
Standard — 3 to 5 days
Delivered in 3–5 business days
Free
Costly default
Confirm & pay
Headphones$79.00
Warranty$12.99
Express delivery$8.99
Fees$6.47
Total due$107.45
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dark patterns spotted

Dark patterns cost shoppers billions every year.

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