News and Research articles on Dark patterns

Leveraging interdisciplinary methods for evidence collection in enforcement: Dark patterns as a case study

Johanna Gunawan, Maastricht University
Colin M. Gray, Indiana University
Cristiana Santos, University of Utrecht
Nataliia Bielova, Université Côte d’Azur
PUBLISHED ON: 18 Nov 2025 DOI: 10.14763/2025.4.2047

This article explores how interdisciplinary methods for evidence collection can be envisioned through a case study examining research and regulatory initiatives against dark patterns.

Stepping into a virtual realm where every move you make is not solely your own but is subtly orchestrated by game designers — where there could be 'dark patterns' controlling your gaming experience, dopamine rushes and spending habits — is a concerning but not unrealistic portrayal of the future of gameplay.