Question

which of the following is an example of the roach motel dark pattern? * a website automatically signs you up for a paid subscription when you create an account but there is no easy way to cancel it a mobile app uses green buttons throughout to select no but then suddenly changes it to select yes a banner ad has a fake speck of dust to trick users to click on it when they try to swipe the dust away a hotel reservation site tells you the number of deals you just missed by failing to book a room faster

Explanation:

The Roach Motel dark pattern refers to a situation where it's easy to get into a service (like signing up) but very difficult to get out (like canceling). Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: A website automatically signs you up for a paid subscription when you create an account but there is no easy way to cancel it. This matches the Roach Motel pattern as it's easy to sign up (get in) but hard to cancel (get out).
• Option 2: This is an example of a Misdirection dark pattern (changing the meaning of buttons), not Roach Motel.
• Option 3: This is an example of a Trick Question or Deceptive Visual dark pattern (fake dust to trick clicks), not Roach Motel.
• Option 4: This is an example of a Scarcity or Urgency dark pattern (telling you about missed deals), not Roach Motel.

Answer:

A. A website automatically signs you up for a paid subscription when you create an account but there is no easy way to cancel it