Growth that comes from dark patterns—tricking users into sign-ups, subscriptions, or purchases—might boost numbers in the short term but damages trust, retention, and brand. Cases like Temus and others show how quickly such tactics can backfire when users, regulators, or the press take notice.
What Goes Wrong
Dark patterns (hidden costs, fake urgency, confusing opt-outs, pre-ticked boxes) often lead to higher chargebacks, complaints, and churn. They can also trigger regulatory and reputational risk. “Growth” that depends on user confusion isn’t sustainable.
Why It’s a Failed Tactic
Real growth comes from value and clarity: users understand what they’re getting and choose to stay. When they feel misled, they leave, dispute charges, and warn others. The cost of fixing that trust is usually higher than any short-term gain.
What to Do Instead
- Be clear about pricing, terms, and how to cancel.
- Use urgency and scarcity only when they’re honest.
- Design flows so the default is consent, not trickery.
- Optimize for long-term retention and LTV, not one-off conversion at any cost.
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