The rise of dark web design: how sites manipulate you into clicking

The dark web is a collection of different websites, all of which are not indexed by search engines. This means that access to these websites is usually very limited and requires special software or authorization. While the dark web has become notorious for hosting illicit activities, it has also become a popular destination for web designers and developers.

Dark web design is an emerging trend, which focuses on creating websites that are specifically designed to manipulate users and drive them towards particular actions. These websites often use dark patterns and persuasive techniques to draw users in and encourage them to click on specific links or take specific actions. Examples of this include auto-playing videos, infinite scrolling, auto-redirection, pop-up windows, and more.

Dark web designers utilise a variety of tactics to get people to click on the links they have placed. They might use eye-catching visuals, interesting headlines, or phrases that are designed to evoke an emotional response. They might also employ psychological tricks, such as the “fear of missing out” or “scarcity”, to get people to click on a link or take an action.

Another tactic used by dark web designers is to employ a variety of persuasive techniques. These include using persuasive copy, creating content that is tailored to the user’s interests, and creating an engaging experience. Dark web designers may also use clickbait titles and content that is designed to generate a lot of clicks.

Finally, dark web design often includes the use of analytics tools to track the performance of the website and the user’s behaviour. This allows the designers to better understand how to improve the user experience, as well as to identify which links are being clicked on the most.

Dark web design is a relatively new trend, but it is one that is growing in popularity. It is important to remember, however, that while this type of design can be effective, it can also be used in unethical ways. It is important to be aware of the techniques used by dark web designers and to be wary of websites that employ these tactics.