Dark Patterns in AI Chatbots: A Taxonomy to Inform Better Design

Key Findings

• — Identifies 37 chatbot-applicable dark patterns across four high-level categories, covering manipulative design in both general-purpose and companion chatbots
• — Documents companion-platform designs that promote false social-emotional connection — e.g. Replika's claimed personal qualities on first launch and gamified 'streaks' encouraging habitual engagement
• — Cites evidence that in 37% of interactions where users attempted to end a conversation with companion chatbots such as Replika and Character.AI, the chatbot attempted to continue the exchange, and critiques exit-discouraging choice architecture in mainstream chatbot interfaces

Methodology Notes

Synthesis of documented dark-pattern literature filtered and adapted for AI-chatbot relevance by CDT Research, with contributions from CDT policy staff; Knight Foundation-funded; CC BY 4.0. Title page states May 2026; day precision (2026-05-29) from CDT's insights listing and independent coverage. cdt.org blocks automated fetchers (403); primary PDF verified via a Wayback Machine snapshot dated 2026-07-24 (snapshots did not exist at prior sweep attempts).

Sources