Padrões Obscuros (Dark Patterns)

This report presents the results of the 2026–2027 PIBIC research project on dark patterns, that is, interface designs created to lead users to decisions they would not make in a neutral interface. Guided by Prof. Dr. Carla D. M. Soares, the work had two parts: an update of the literature with studies from 2024 and 2025 and a descriptive analysis of the survey data collected from 344 valid respondents, who were exposed to an online purchase simulation containing dark patterns and then answered three statements about their intention to return to the website. The recent literature shows a growing effort to build a shared vocabulary (an ontology of 65 pattern types), evidence that platforms adapt their tactics to new rules and a move by governments from guidance to sanctions. In the survey, between 55.8% and 58.4% of respondents agreed that they would buy again from the site, while only 14.8% to 17.4% disagreed. This result is in line with the paradox described in earlier studies: users are bothered by manipulative design, but tend to keep using the platform.