Dark patterns in subscription service cancellation processes

The rise of the subscription economy has introduced new challenges for user experience, particularly around service cancellation processes. This study examines the presence of dark patterns, also known as deceptive interface designs, in digital subscription service cancellations and their impact on user experience and willingness to engage in additional services. A scoping review of 28 academic and industry sources was conducted, resulting in a taxonomy of 44 dark patterns categorised into ten thematic groups. This taxonomy was applied in a comparative analysis of six real-world subscription services, identifying the most common patterns to obstruct cancellation. A vignette-based survey experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dark patterns on user experience. Results showed a 28% reduction in user trust (p < 0.001) and a 54% decrease in usability scores when participants were exposed to dark-pattern-heavy cancellation flows, compared to transparent alternatives. The findings demonstrate that dark patterns undermine trust, usability, and user retention intentions. This research presents a taxonomy specific to dark patterns in subscription cancellation processes, identifies deceptive strategies, and highlights the ethical implications for digital subscription service cancellation design. The study advocates for the adoption of transparent, user-centred cancellation practices. It provides a foundation for future research examining the evolving landscape of dark patterns in adaptive and AI-generated interfaces.