What does "forced continuity" refer to in the context of deceptive patterns?

In the context of deceptive patterns, "forced continuity" specifically refers to a situation where users are automatically enrolled in continuous subscription services without their clear and informed consent. This means that after a free trial or an initial period, users are often charged without being adequately informed about the transition from a free trial to a paid subscription. This can lead to frustration and confusion among users, as they may not have fully understood the implications of their initial sign-up, or they may have assumed that they could cancel before being charged but found it difficult to do so.

This concept is particularly relevant in discussions about ethical design and user experience, as it highlights the importance of transparency and user control in subscription models. Practices that lead to users being trapped in unwanted subscriptions can damage trust and lead to negative experiences. Representative of a broader issue in design ethics, acknowledging forced continuity allows designers to create clearer and more user-friendly processes regarding consent and billing.