Subscription traps have become a plague recently, and it's a classic example of dark UX patterns or, as we love to say here, asshole design.
But what is a subscription trap, you ask? A subscription trap is when you sign up for a 'free trial' and you're forced, either subtly or not, into a paid subscription at the end of the trial period. And you're not getting out easily.
So you sign up for a product or service. You get a 'free' 14 day trial, but you have to input your credit card details. This, in itself, isn't a bad thing. It's a standard procedure. But how it all goes downhill is infuriating.
Fourteen days pass by. Maybe you forgot to cancel. Maybe you couldn't find the cancel option (hint: it was hidden in the maze known as the account settings). Or maybe you tried to cancel, but their system conveniently had an 'error' that day.
Now, your card is being charged without your consent. You go to dispute the charge, but the company has conveniently buried a 'auto-renewal' clause deep within their terms of service, making your claim invalid.
Most people end up paying because the process to get out of it is complex, time-consuming, and stressful. Congrats, you're now another victim of asshole design.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the beauty of subscription traps.
Oh, the joy of modern business practices. Gotta love how corporations prioritize user experience... oh wait 🙄