Provide visible exit options to make users feel in control

Roach motel is a dark pattern that refers to something that you can quickly get into but can't easily leave. The analogy comes from the insect trap with the same name. In UX design, a roach motel is a product or service that is very difficult to cancel. For example, an automated monthly subscription that you have to jump through hoops to cancel.

In reality, the more you deter users from leaving when they want to leave, the more determined they become to leave. A much better option is to be honest and provide an easy exit. According to usability heuristics, visible exit options make users feel in control and less frustrated.^[1]