What is confirmshaming in the context of user experience design?

Confirmshaming refers to the practice of making users feel guilty or ashamed for choosing not to engage with a service or product, particularly when they opt out or decline an offer. In the context of user experience design, this tactic often employs language and design elements that evoke a sense of guilt or social disapproval, persuading users to reconsider their decision to opt out.

For instance, instead of simply allowing users to unsubscribe from a mailing list or decline a promotional offer, a confirmation message may imply that they are missing out on something special or suggest that their choice reflects poorly on them. This manipulation can lead to a negative user experience, as it does not respect the user's autonomy and can foster resentment towards the brand or service.

The other choices present concepts that do not align with the essence of confirmshaming. Making users feel excited for new opportunities enhances their experience positively, while feeling pressured to make immediate decisions can create an adverse sense of urgency that might be overwhelming, but it is not specifically related to guilt. Indifference implies a lack of emotional engagement, which also does not capture the emotional aspect of confirmshaming effectively.