“How to delete Instagram account” was one of the most googled questions of 2020. With more than 1.38 million searches, it features the top 10 of most googled questions worldwide, in the year everyone was forced to be online more than ever. This insight clearly demonstrates the power of the Roach Motel dark pattern.

Source: SemRush

Last year, Instagram was also a trending topic for a while due to a dissatisfying UI remodeling. It makes me wonder if companies actually see the use of dark patterns as a double benefit: not only a way to coerce and manipulate users according to their business goals but also a way of being in the spotlight.

“The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.” — Oscar Wilde

Is the New Instagram Update a New Form of Dark Pattern?

Dark Design Patterns in Your Everyday Apps