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Episode 243: What Are Dark Patterns? Plus, a Talk With ‘Sing Sing’ Director Greg Kwedar

LISTEN TO THE PLUGGED IN SHOW, EPISODE 243

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OK, we’re not actually going to ask you to do any of that. But these sorts of tricky tactics—to keep you reading or buying or forking over your personal information—are growing more and more prevalent online. Collectively, they’re called “dark patterns.” Sometimes they’re nothing more than an annoyance. But they can also be far, far worse—and kids can be especially susceptible to falling into these traps.

Kennedy Unthank recently wrote a blog on the subject (“Identifying Dark Patterns and Protecting Your Kids Against Them”), and he joins Emily Tsiao, Jonathan McKee and our host, Adam Holz, to talk about these duplicitous little ploys.

Then, I sit down with Hollywood writer, producer and director Greg Kwedar, who recently unveiled his film, Sing Sing, to critical raves. The film—centered around a theatrical rehabilitation program at the New York state prison of the same name—is rated R for its strong language, and deservedly so. But it’s also filled with some strong, thoughtful messages that might resonate with many a Christian: perseverance, repentance and, ultimately, redemption. And it stars several veterans from Sing Sing’s real Rehabilitation Through the Arts program.

I had a great time talking to Kwedar. And I think you’ll enjoy our talk.

Then feel free to join us in a bit of dialogue. Let us know what you think about these “dark patterns,” and tell us which ones irritate you the most. Tell us whether you think R-rated movies—in spite of their content—can come with some worthwhile messages.

Give us your thoughts below. Or offer them on Facebook or Instagram. Leave us a voicemail on The Plugged In Show homepage or write to us at [email protected].

And be sure to listen to us next time, when we dive into a spirited (and surprisingly spiritual) discussion about the Olympics.

paul-asay
Paul Asay

Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

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