Confirm Shaming

Using guilt or social pressure to manipulate users into
confirming an action

InsightsUnderstanding PatternDefinitionEthical Alternatives
Prevalence

Less than 5

of the applications studied, used some form of Confirm
Shaming in their designs

Industry

Travel  Booking

was the only industry where instances of Confirm Shaming was observed (4 out of 8 apps)

App User Flow

Booking Journey

is where Confirm Shaming was commonly observed

Source: Deceptive Patterns in Top Indian Apps, 2024

Understanding Confirm Shaming

Have you ever felt manipulated into giving up your email for a discount code by guilt-inducing prompts?

Understanding Confirm Shaming

Businesses employ these tactics to nudge users towards taking an action, ultimately increasing sales and engagement.

Definition

A pattern that businesses employ to manipulate
users into performing an action by triggering
uncomfortable emotions, such as guilt or shame,
in order to discourage opt-outs

How does it affect users?

Using guilt-inducing or fear-evoking tactics can
lead users to make emotional decisions, potentially
resulting in regrettable actions or purchases.

Ethical Alternatives

Ways in which design can address
Confirm Shaming

RedBus
RedBus

Polite Pathways

Offer respectful and straightforward pathways for users to confirm their choices without inducing guilt or pressure.

Need more Inspiration?

View 50+ Ethical Alternatives to
Privacy Deception and other Deceptive Patterns

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