[jacktribe]

I know what you mean. When the cashier at Whole Foods asks you, it does feel somewhat petty to say no. I think there was a South Park episode on that.

But if the POS asks you, it doesn't feel as personal to turn down the option to donate, don't you think?

Anyway, not married to the idea, but I think there are some people that enjoy the endorphins that result from contributing to a charitable cause (especially when discretionary spending, like on a latte).

[mnky9800n]

I think of it differently. Ads pervade your experience. You cannot pump gas without since video blasting in your face. You cannot buy groceries without hearing about the poor, pathetic children who this billion dollar company decided to collect money for. Hell, I was sitting on the ski lift the other day and the bar across your lap someone has added little advertising signs saying which is the best pro shop.

My point is, we are surrounded by useless requests for more of our time and money. I go to the coffee shop almost exclusively as a place to relax. There should be less intrusion into my headspace there, not more.

[tboughen]

I think there is a distinction between a charitable donation pop-up that forces the user to round up, donate, or actively select 'no donation' is a dark pattern.

Whereas having the option to select a charitable donation, or passively ignore it, as a part of the normal checking out is fine.

[csomar]

Yeah, if these donations where accessible via a different menu (ie: you have cafes, cake, juices, donations) then I'd be fine with it. I'd go to the donation individually if I want to.

The problem is when you put the donation at checkout to "improve" conversion.

[mdrzn]

Related South Park reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsPHa8RG1pI