[2303.02843] The Dark Side of Augmented Reality: Exploring Manipulative Designs in AR

Augmented Reality (AR) applications are becoming more mainstream, with
successful examples in the mobile environment like Pokemon GO. Current
malicious techniques can exploit these environments’ immersive and mixed nature
(physical-virtual) to trick users into providing more personal information,
i.e., dark patterns. Dark patterns are deceiving techniques (e.g., interface
tricks) designed to influence individuals’ behavioural decisions. However,
there are few studies regarding dark patterns’ potential issues in AR
environments. In this work, using scenario construction to build our
prototypes, we investigate the potential future approaches that dark patterns
can have. We use VR mockups in our user study to analyze the effects of dark
patterns in AR. Our study indicates that dark patterns are effective in
immersive scenarios, and the use of novel techniques such as `haptic grabbing’
to drag participants’ attention can influence their movements. Finally, we
discuss the impact of such malicious techniques and what techniques can
mitigate them.