3.3: The Sly Approach

In the world of labeling, sometimes you have to be a little sly. A whisper in the ear of the user, a wink to the algorithm. The Sly Approach is not for the faint of heart, nor the straightforward of mind. It requires finesse, cunning, and a hint of deception.

Here's how it's done:

  1. Study the subject matter. Know its secrets and its weaknesses.
  2. Cast a spell of confusion over the user. Make them question their own perceptions.
  3. Strike when the time is right. When the user is most vulnerable, most gullible.

Example 1: Labeling a button with a label that says "Click Me" when it's actually a button that does nothing but play a cat video in the background.

Example 2: Labeling a button with a label that says "Save Changes" when it actually deletes all the user's data.

See more examples in:

The Subtle Seduction for more on the art of manipulation.