Imposing guilt

Imposing guilt is a deceptive pattern where users are made to feel bad for not taking a certain action, often through the use of shame-inducing language. This tactic, known as confirmshaming, aims to manipulate users into complying by making them feel guilty or ashamed for opting out. For example, a fitness app might use an opt-out button that says, "No thanks, I don't care about my health," making users feel guilty for not subscribing to a premium plan.

Shame is a powerful emotion that can make users uncomfortable and even trigger stress and anxiety. It's important to avoid using guilt as a motivator in design. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement, such as highlighting the benefits of taking an action without making users feel bad for opting out.