Angela Todhri and Pascal Knierim, University of Innsbruck
The continuing advances in Mixed Reality (MR) technology have finally brought MR experiences to the consumers. However, the growing number of experiences merging the physical and virtual worlds has also elicited a rise in the use of Dark Patterns and manipulative design tactics intended to deceive users into actions they might not otherwise take. This preliminary research investigates the mechanisms and prevalence of Dark Patterns in MR environments, providing a first glimpse into manipulative practices. Analyzing 80 MR applications across various MR platforms, we identified five primary Dark Patterns: Hidden Costs, Misinformation, Button Camouflage, Forced Continuity, and Disguised Ads. Our ongoing analysis highlights the impact of these patterns on user trust and decision-making.
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