Tag: ethics
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When dark design deceives
This 1,000-word case study explores how Academia.edu’s silent auto-renewal charged $371.80 AUD without warning—highlighting the dangers of dark patterns in tech design. Learn what dark patterns are, how they manipulate users, and what ethical leadership in digital spaces should look like.
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Academia.edu charged me $371.80 AUD without warning—and refused to refund it
This isn’t a rant. It’s a public warning. On 17 July 2025, I discovered that $371.80 AUD had been withdrawn from my bank account by Academia.edu. I had no idea the subscription was still active. I received no warning. No renewal email. No opt-out reminder. And when I contacted their support team to explain the…