Dark Patterns: manipulative Designstrategien in digitalen Gesundheitsanwendungen

Among other things, digital health applications offer users support in better understanding their physical and mental health through digital data, thereby promoting positive health behavior. In addition to state-approved digital health applications (DiGA) and digital care applications (DiPA), there is a wide array of other commercial health applications available to users. Particularly in non-approved applications, developers often deploy manipulative design strategies (dark patterns), intentionally or unintentionally, to deceive users into making specific decisions. This article provides an overview of current and widespread dark patterns and assesses the risks posed by them in digital health applications.

In the future, “light” should be shed on dark patterns by creating more transparency for users, providing regulators with a more accurate understanding of dark patterns, and paying more attention to the implementation of guidelines. Thus, users may gain autonomy using healthcare applications and their data can be better protected.