Hidden information

DEFINITION

Purposely obscures relevant information to users.

DEFINITION

Purposely obscures relevant information to users.

DEFINITION

Purposely obscures relevant information to users.

1

Purpose

The purpose of hidden information is to mislead users towards pre-determined decisions. This can be used for anything from damage control to a way to increase revenue.

2

Psychological principles

The hidden information deceptive pattern exploits the cognitive biases of the curse of knowledge and information asymmetry.


3

Prevention

Take your time. Don’t make assumptions about a product based on previous experience. Only use what is directly stated to inform your decision to purchase.

Behind the pattern

The hidden information deceptive pattern exploits the cognitive biases of the curse of knowledge and information asymmetry.


Curse of knowledge. People who are familiar with a product or company may assume elements of a product are included, even if they aren’t directly stated. If other products include free shipping, you may assume that this goes for everything in the store.


Information asymmetry. In any transaction, the party that has more information holds a clear advantage. By purposely obscuring information, users can be placed in an increasingly disadvantageous position when purchasing a product.

The hidden information deceptive pattern exploits the cognitive biases of the curse of knowledge and information asymmetry.


Curse of knowledge. People who are familiar with a product or company may assume elements of a product are included, even if they aren’t directly stated. If other products include free shipping, you may assume that this goes for everything in the store.


Information asymmetry. In any transaction, the party that has more information holds a clear advantage. By purposely obscuring information, users can be placed in an increasingly disadvantageous position when purchasing a product.

The hidden information deceptive pattern exploits the cognitive biases of the curse of knowledge and information asymmetry.


Curse of knowledge. People who are familiar with a product or company may assume elements of a product are included, even if they aren’t directly stated. If other products include free shipping, you may assume that this goes for everything in the store.


Information asymmetry. In any transaction, the party that has more information holds a clear advantage. By purposely obscuring information, users can be placed in an increasingly disadvantageous position when purchasing a product.

Types of hidden information

Privacy zuckering


Privacy zuckering is a sub-pattern of hidden information named after the CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg. In this pattern, users are tricked into publicly sharing more information about themselves than intended.

How to protect yourself

Take your time. Don’t make assumptions about a product based on previous experience. Only use what is directly stated to inform your decision to purchase.

About

Davishedrick.com

About

Davishedrick.com

About

Davishedrick.com