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Choice Architectures in the Digital Economy: Towards a New Understanding of Digital Vulnerability

Author

Listed:
  • N. Helberger

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • M. Sax

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • J. Strycharz

    (University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam School of Communication Research)

  • H.-W. Micklitz

    (European University Institute)

Abstract

In the digital economy, consumer vulnerability is not simply a vantage point from which to assess some consumers’ lack of ability to activate their awareness of persuasion. Instead, digital vulnerability describes a universal state of defencelessness and susceptibility to (the exploitation of) power imbalances that are the result of the increasing automation of commerce, datafied consumer–seller relations, and the very architecture of digital marketplaces. Digital vulnerability, we argue, is architectural, relational, and data-driven. Based on our concept of digital vulnerability, we demonstrate how and why using digital technology to render consumers vulnerable is the epitome of an unfair digital commercial practice.

Suggested Citation

  • N. Helberger & M. Sax & J. Strycharz & H.-W. Micklitz, 2022. "Choice Architectures in the Digital Economy: Towards a New Understanding of Digital Vulnerability," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 45(2), pages 175-200, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jcopol:v:45:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s10603-021-09500-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10603-021-09500-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Corina CARA, 2019. "Dark Patterns In The Media: A Systematic Review," Network Intelligence Studies, Romanian Foundation for Business Intelligence, Editorial Department, issue 14, pages 105-113, December.
    2. Peter Cartwright, 2015. "Understanding and Protecting Vulnerable Financial Consumers," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 38(2), pages 119-138, June.
    3. Burkell, Jacquelyn & Regan, Priscilla M., 2019. "Voter preferences, voter manipulation, voter analytics: policy options for less surveillance and more autonomy," Internet Policy Review: Journal on Internet Regulation, Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), Berlin, vol. 8(4), pages 1-24.
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    Cited by:

    1. M. Brenncke, 2024. "A Theory of Exploitation for Consumer Law: Online Choice Architectures, Dark Patterns, and Autonomy Violations," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 47(1), pages 127-164, March.
    2. S. Mills & S. Costa & C. R. Sunstein, 2023. "AI, Behavioural Science, and Consumer Welfare," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 46(3), pages 387-400, September.
    3. Chen, Si & Wu, Yajun & Deng, Fengyi & Zhi, Kuiyun, 2023. "How does ad relevance affect consumers' attitudes toward personalized advertisements and social media platforms? The role of information co-ownership, vulnerability, and privacy cynicism," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).

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