Published February 4, 2025 | Version v1
Journal Open

Dark Pattern Guardian:Detection Of Dark Patterns in Online Games

Description

Dark patterns -manipulative design 
techniques used in gaming apps—often 
undermine user autonomy and negatively impact 
the overall user experience. Dark Pattern 
Guardian is a Chrome extension designed to detect 
and mitigate these deceptive practices by analyzing 
user interfaces and interactions directly within the 
browser. The system employs a rule-based 
approach and predefined pattern recognition 
techniques to identify and categorize common 
dark patterns such as forced continuity, 
misdirection, and hidden costs.To enhance its 
functionality, Dark Pattern Guardian includes 
several key features. It extends detection 
capabilities to visual dark patterns, recognizing 
deceptive UI elements like misleading button 
placements and hidden options. The extension 
also incorporates a community feedback system, 
allowing users to report new dark patterns they 
encounter, which helps refine detection rules and 
contribute to a growing database of deceptive 
practices. Educational resources are integrated 
within the extension, providing users with the 
knowledge to recognize and avoid dark patterns,
while a parental control feature offers additional
safeguards for younger users. Personalized user 
alerts deliver tailored notifications and actionable 
recommendations based on individual browsing 
habits, ensuring users are better equipped to 
navigate online spaces safely. Additionally, the 
extension introduces a gamification element, 
rewarding users for identifying and reporting dark
patterns, thus fostering a community-driven
approach to ethical web browsing.

Files

lalitha_base[1].pdf

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Additional details

Software

Programming language
JavaScript , HTML , CSS