Theorizing Deception: A Scoping Review of Theory in Research on Dark Patterns and Deceptive Design

TL;DR

This study tackles the problem of insufficient theoretical grounding in research on dark patterns and deceptive design (DPs) by performing a scoping review of 51 empirical papers from 2014–2023. Using PRISMA-ScR methods, it maps which theories are used, how they are applied, and where substantial gaps remain, highlighting a heavy reliance on Nudge theory with limited engagement from broader theoretical perspectives. The key contribution is a detailed taxonomy of theory usage in DP research and a concrete, multi-level roadmap (general, broad, specific) to deepen theorizing, encouraging cross-disciplinary integration from philosophy, psychology, sociology, criminology, and regulation. The practical impact is a call for standardized explicit theory usage to better inform design, policy, and governance around deceptive interfaces and user autonomy, ultimately supporting more ethical and transparent digital environments.

Abstract

The issue of dark patterns and deceptive designs (DPs) in everyday interfaces and interactions continues to grow. DPs are manipulative and malicious elements within user interfaces that deceive users into making unintended choices. In parallel, research on DPs has significantly increased over the past two decades. As the field has matured, epistemological gaps have also become a salient and pressing concern. In this scoping review, we assessed the academic work so far -- 51 papers between 2014 to 2023 -- to identify the state of theory in DP research. We identified the key theories employed, examined how these theories have been referenced, and call for enhancing the incorporation of theory into DP research. We also propose broad theoretical foundations to establish a comprehensive and solid base for contextualizing and informing future DP research from a variety of theoretical scopes and lenses.