[Verse 1] Sarah's shopping online tonight Basket full, the price feels right But wait, there's something strange she sees A checkbox checked automatically "Subscribe to monthly delivery" She didn't want that, can't you see This sneaky trick is what we call A dark pattern that fools us all [Chorus] Spot the tricks, avoid the traps Dark patterns in our apps Hidden costs and sneaky clicks These are manipulative tricks Build with care, respect the user Don't be a digital abuser Clear and honest is the way Ethical design saves the day [Verse 2] Tom is trying to delete his account But the buttons don't amount Green for "Stay" and bright and bold Gray for "Leave" - so small and old The company wants him to remain Using visual tricks to cause him pain Confirmshaming makes him feel so bad "Don't leave us lonely and so sad" [Chorus] Spot the tricks, avoid the traps Dark patterns in our apps Hidden costs and sneaky clicks These are manipulative tricks Build with care, respect the user Don't be a digital abuser Clear and honest is the way Ethical design saves the day [Bridge] Privacy Zuckering hides the truth Roach motels trap me and you Bait and switch, the old switcheroo Friend spam sends invites not from you Forced continuity keeps charging fees Disguised ads that aim to deceive [Verse 3] As a CTO you hold the key To build with integrity Make cancellation just as clear As signing up, remove the fear Equal colors, equal size No hidden fees, no surprise Put the user first in mind Leave dark patterns far behind [Chorus] Spot the tricks, avoid the traps Dark patterns in our apps Hidden costs and sneaky clicks These are manipulative tricks Build with care, respect the user Don't be a digital abuser Clear and honest is the way Ethical design saves the day [Outro] When you code and when you lead Remember users have a need For transparency and choice Give them power, give them voice Dark patterns may bring short-term gain But trust once lost brings lasting pain
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