  There is a rapidly growing literature on dark patterns, user interface
designs -- typically related to shopping or privacy -- that researchers deem
problematic. Recent work has been predominantly descriptive, documenting and
categorizing objectionable user interfaces. These contributions have been
invaluable in highlighting specific designs for researchers and policymakers.
But the current literature lacks a conceptual foundation: What makes a user
interface a dark pattern? Why are certain designs problematic for users or
society?
  We review recent work on dark patterns and demonstrate that the literature
does not reflect a singular concern or consistent definition, but rather, a set
of thematically related considerations. Drawing from scholarship in psychology,
economics, ethics, philosophy, and law, we articulate a set of normative
perspectives for analyzing dark patterns and their effects on individuals and
society. We then show how future research on dark patterns can go beyond
subjective criticism of user interface designs and apply empirical methods
grounded in normative perspectives.
