The Instacart app on an iPhone with a fantasy-style cartoon background
Instacart's website and app push some consumers to buy more groceries or sign up for a free trial that they'll be charged for later, according to a new report.
  • 'Dark patterns' push online shoppers to buy things in a way they normally would not.
  • Instacart uses more dark patterns than other online grocery retailers, according to a new report.
  • Examples include a countdown clock and charging automatically for a subscription after a trial.

Online shoppers are familiar with prompts to spend more money or complete a purchase quickly in order to get free shipping.