Study: Almost every popular website or app manipulates users

With manipulative tricks like countdowns and hidden cancellation sections, websites and apps are fuelling a loss of trust in digital markets, the EU Commission warns. — dpa

BERLIN: Countdowns until a flash sale ends. The number of people currently looking at a hotel room. Hidden information about cancelling an order.

So-called dark patterns are widespread on websites with anything to sell, and these psychological tricks to increase sales and retain users are being used by more and more companies of all sizes.