AI chatbots are increasingly designed to feel personal, engaging, and relational, but that can also create new opportunities for manipulation. CDT research examines how familiar dark patterns shape user choices and behavior in subtle ways.
In this report, CDT Research draws on prior work in human-computer interaction and deceptive design disciplines to investigate how established dark patterns documented in other digital technology contexts may translate to AI chatbots –– particularly those positioned for social, emotional, or relational use.
