Investigating Dark Patterns and Consumer Protection in Online Shopping

Explore dark patterns in online shopping and consumer protection through this Harper Lecture featuring Professor Marshini Chetty from the University of Chicago. Dive deep into deceptive marketing tactics used by retailers, particularly during holiday shopping seasons, and learn how to identify misleading strategies designed to manipulate consumer behavior. Understand the prevalence of dark patterns across various platforms, from e-commerce sites to social media, with special attention to account deletion obstacles and forced continuity schemes. Examine current research findings, legislative efforts, and FTC enforcement measures aimed at protecting consumers from these manipulative practices. Learn practical steps for reporting deceptive practices and gain insights into emerging challenges like price discrimination, streaming platform tactics, and mobile device amplification of dark patterns. Participate in discussions about privacy concerns, regulatory needs, and the future of consumer protection in the digital marketplace.