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Deceptive design patterns
The obscure side of Honey
Deceptive design tricks turned a savings tool into a trust trap.
On December 22nd 2024, the YouTuber and investigative journalist Megalag uncovered an alleged scam surrounding the popular browser extension Honey, designed to help users find online discounts.
What seemed like a helpful tool for saving money was revealed to be using deceptive design practices that misled users and harmed content creators. From selectively showing discount codes to hijacking affiliate commissions. Has shown to be a full on scam — and deceiving of consumers trust.
If you want to get a deeper understanding of the scam and what this situation is about. I would recommend you go watch Megalag’s video on this. It depicts how nefarious of a company Honey is and how they technically intercepts the revenue from creators affiliate links.
As of writing this video has hit 14 million views!
I’ll explore how these design tricks exploited user trust and profited off unsuspecting shoppers and influencers alike.
I’ll be looking more at the deceptive design tactics that Honey had employed to deceive its users and partners for profitable gains. This will be a look at what dark patterns Honey has been using.
The deceptive design tactics
Seeing this story explode I can only sit and wonder when I look at how Honey operates that here’s a prime example on deceptive design.
I’m no saint myself, I have of course too used Honey, as so many others have. I have never noticed or even questioned their practices. Which in my opinion just makes it even more of a dark pattern. Because then it actually was intended to not be noticed.
But yeah, when you think about it — how can they get you discounts, without you doing anything. Where does the money come from? When this isn’t obvious it's probably because you’re the…
