Key Points Question What types of manipulative design features exist in childrens’ mobile apps, and do inequities exist in young childrens exposure to manipulative design? Findings In this cross-sectional study of apps used by 160 children aged 3 to 5 years, the majority of apps were associated with manipulative design features that included parasocial relationship pressure, fabricated time pressure, navigation constraints, and use of attractive lures to encourage longer gameplay or more purchases, in addition to advertisement-based pressure; only 20% of apps had no manipulative design features. Children from lower socioeconomic strata played apps with more manipulative design.
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Prevalence and Characteristics of Manipulative Design in Mobile Applications Used by Children
This cross-sectional study of apps used by 160 children aged 3 to 5 years suggests that interactive designs that serve the interests of technology companies over the interests of children are common and deserve further study and regulation.