July 10, 2025 · Blogs | Open internet and inclusive technology | Platform regulation
New research shows online platforms use manipulative design to influence users towards harmful choices
New research by Bits of Freedom investigated social media platforms Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok, and e-commerce platforms Shein, Zalando and Booking.com for their use of manipulative design. The worrying findings indicate that these platforms continue to nfluence the choices of users to their detriment despite being prohibited by laws.