Episode 20: The Algorithm Wears Prada

Our latest episode The Algorithm Wears Prada has officially landed — and data darling, it’s serving deception, design, and digital drama in the most impeccably tailored way.There I was, about to close a website — decision made, exit planned — when suddenly the “leave” button felt harder to find than last season’s it-bag. The “accept all”? Front row, spotlight, impossible to miss. And I couldn’t help but wonder… when did our choices stop being ours, and start being styled for us?In this episode of Data & The City, we slip into the perfectly cut world of dark patterns — where design doesn’t just guide, it nudges, frames, and sometimes quietly decides. From shopping carts that fill themselves to subscriptions that cling like a bad ex, to interfaces that feel effortless but are anything but… this is your chic survival guide to spotting the seams behind the screen.This episode’s chapters:🧵 Dark Patterns Unstitched — From roach motels to confirmshaming and basket sneaking, we unravel the subtle design tricks shaping your choices every day. 🎙️ Behind the Seams with Dr. Mark Leiser — We sit down with a leading expert on deceptive design to explore how dark patterns go deeper than the interface — and what that means for your autonomy online. 👠 The Algorithm Wears Prada — From streaks to shopping and everything in between, we explore how design, psychology, and business models come together to keep you clicking — and what you can do to take back control.✨ Whether you’re a privacy enthusiast, policymaker, or just someone who’s ever wondered why “decline” feels so hard to find… this episode is for you.Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/pryces/aspire License code: SIYQYKG6WQYW68GW Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/ill-kitchen/belle License code: GMGKXN7WCT9JFA20 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/slinky License code: TPKLIBBCKHWRKQVU Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/work-it License code: FATLA3QNKNX6JXBG Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/peter-hawkey/endless-sun License code: 5J2DXNDZUJ7RYSBA