We would like to congratulate our colleague Thomas Eßmeyer on receiving the “Thematischen Preis” of the Bremer Studienpreis 2025 for his dissertation “Mitigating Dark Patterns Through Responsible Design – Ethical Design Considerations for User-Centred Technologies.” The work examines how responsible design can reduce digital manipulation and provides well-founded empirical and design-oriented recommendations for action.

He was also interviewed by the Washington Post in October about his dissertation topic, “Dark Patterns.” In the interview, he explained how platforms such as TikTok use targeted engagement strategies to entice users to continue scrolling and the risks this poses to well-being and mental health. The article is available here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/interactive/2025/tiktok-addiction-algorithm-scrolling-mental-health/

Well done, Thomas! Congratulations from all of us!