Untersuchung von Dark Patterns in kostenlosen österreichischen Reisebuchungs-Apps

Abstract

The data of their target group is playing an increasingly important role for companies. They strive for high sales figures in order to stand out from the competition. This can only be achieved by addressing potential and existing customers in a targeted manner. As data protection is an important issue for people, they also handle their personal data accordingly. However, in order for companies to obtain this data, they resort to manipulative user interface designs to get users to reveal more about themselves than is necessary. The topic of dark patterns (DP) is becoming increasingly important, not only in online stores but also in mobile apps. For example, users have to create a user account to be able to use the app at all. In the first instance, they are often only asked to provide an email address or telephone number. However, if users want to use the app's service, it is very common for additional personal data to be requested. This and many other procedures are being used more and more frequently. In Austria, there are still few studies in the field of mobile apps. For this reason, 30 free Austrian travel booking apps were examined more closely in this study. At the beginning, relevant terms are explained in more detail, including the term dark pattern, related topics and effects. The different types of DP are also discussed. This is followed by the selection of the apps to be investigated and the creation of a use case, which serves as the framework for the investigation. A qualitative content analysis was chosen and applied as the research method. The results were then documented and rounded off with a conclusion. At least one dark pattern was identified in all of the travel booking apps analyzed. The most common categories were Preselection (81%), Forced Action (78%), False Hierarchies (78%), and Privacy Zuckering (74%). The Ryanair app had the highest number of identified dark patterns with ten. It was followed by the Opopo travel app with nine and Booking.com, Airbnb, Wizz Air, Expedia and Eurowings with eight DP each. A total of 153 dark patterns were identified in the travel booking apps examined, an average of five per application. Many users do not realize that their purchasing decisions are influenced by these fraudulent tactics. It is therefore of great importance to raise awareness of the existence of dark patterns.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Dietmar Nedbal (Supervisor)