"Dark Patterns" are deceiving designs in websites and apps used to mislead users into doing things they don't intend.
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This is an issue of legality as much as it is an issue of ethics. There has been an increase of interest in the topic of Dark Patterns within the past few years as more and more users have begun to understand misleading design's impact on individuals and society.
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Whether intentional or unintentional, dishonest design is harmful. When facing powerful tools of persuasion, it is easy to become vulnerable to falling into the claws of misleading visuals. Some regulations have been made, but it is just the beginning. Users need to learn how to defend themselves from dark design.

Visual designers of all kinds have a responsibility to understand their impact on their audience and to stay truthful and honest throughout the course of their design work. The goal is not only to avoid the practices of dishonest design, but also to do so because it is unethical and goes against what it means to be a good communicator and member of society. Good design, defined after considering a combination of general and personal morals, can be used to fight back.

The term "Dark Patterns" was first coined by Harry Brignull in 2010 with the launch of the website: DarkPatterns.org. He uses this platform to expose guilty businesses and companies. Brignull also provides "expert witness services" for dark design on his personal website.

There are many ways individuals can recognize and avoid the negative effects of these things. Though some mediums have proven to be more prone to dishonesty than others, it is still the responsibility of the user to stay aware of what visual information is being absorbed.