WINSOME MARKETING BLOG

Let's go deep.

GET ON THE LIST

Ethics

very UX designer knows dark patterns work. Fewer ask whether they should. We examine the ethical boundary between influence and exploitation—and why crossing it destroys long-term value.

4 min read

The Ethics of Dark Patterns: Where Persuasion Becomes Manipulation

Picture of Writing Team Writing Team: Jan 5, 2026 8:00:01 AM

Your modal window has three buttons. The one you want says "Maybe later" in gray, size 10 font. The one they want you to click says "YES! UPGRADE...

Behavior Ethics Digital marketing Communication
READ NOW
By drawing on principles from Kant, Foucault, and other philosophical perspectives, marketers can recognize their responsibility in shaping societal values and individual choices.

4 min read

The Ethics of Manipulation: Is All Marketing Propaganda?

Picture of Writing Team Writing Team: Jan 19, 2025 2:47:34 PM

Marketing’s ultimate goal is to persuade—whether to buy a product, support a cause, or adopt a behavior. But where does persuasion end and...

Marketing Psychology Ethics
READ NOW