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zamadatix07/31/20251 replyview on HN

"Dark pattern" is specific to digital user interfaces, the bartender use case might be just called emotional marketing or, more plainly, flattery.

Keep in mind, digital or not, not all forms of negatively viewed tactics hold the same weight. E.g. a nagging confirmation for cancellation is typically viewed less negatively than confirm shaming, even though both are often listed as types of dark patterns. The type of coercion in the bartender example is likely towards the less negative side of manipulative tactics in most people's minds.


Replies

befictious07/31/2025

i think they know that and are just being cheeky for affect.

however, URL dark patterns are the digital equivalent of IRL social engineering.