Dark patterns in e-commerce

As a regular online shopper, I have generally found digital commerce to be convenient and reliable.

- Shivaji Mohinta

However, over the past three months, I encountered a disturbing pattern while ordering medicines from a well-known online pharmacy. In one instance, along with medicines I had ordered, I received a large bottle of protein powder that I never selected. Assuming it was an error on my part, I disregarded it. However, in a subsequent order, a waist belt was included-again, an item I did not choose. Both products were listed on the invoice, yet there was no record of me adding them to my cart. The pattern remains same. After the items are ordered and payment is done some of the items are substituted with lower cost medicines and a refund SMS is sent. Sometimes the platform will suggest generic lower priced medicines highlighting a high savings. During that process, extra items are deliberately added to minimise the refund amount. Concerned by this recurring issue, I ceased using the platform. This experience aligns with a deceptive practice in digital commerce known as "Dark Patterns" which tricks consumers to take some action which they would not have taken otherwise.