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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. 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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    3. Peter Cartwright, 2015. "Understanding and Protecting Vulnerable Financial Consumers," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 38(2), pages 119-138, June.
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    Cited by:

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    2. 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.
    3. Erik Hermann & Gizem Yalcin Williams & Stefano Puntoni, 2024. "Deploying artificial intelligence in services to AID vulnerable consumers," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 52(5), pages 1431-1451, October.
    4. O. O. Cherednychenko, 2024. "On the Bumpy Road to Responsible Lending in the Digital Marketplace: The New EU Consumer Credit Directive," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 47(2), pages 241-270, June.
    5. 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.
    6. Chenggang Wang & Danli Du & Tiansen Liu & Yue Zhu & Dongxue Yang & Yuan Huang & Fan Meng, 2024. "Impact of Green Technology Innovation on Green Economy: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-23, October.
    7. 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).
    8. Chenggang Wang & Danli Du & Tiansen Liu & Xiaohuan Li & Yue Zhu & Wenhui Du & Fan Xu & Mingtong Yan & Junxin Chen, 2024. "Environmental Regulations, Green Technological Innovation, and Green Economy: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-24, June.

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