I think the idea was that when dealing with UI elements where it can be unclear what even is a UI element, it's easier to shape user behavior. e.g. making it ha

I think the idea was that when dealing with UI elements where it can be unclear what even is a UI element, it's easier to shape user behavior. e.g. making it harder for the user to "opt out of all tracking". Those cookie consent boxes are definitely full of dark patterns. My "favorite" one was one that would take 45+ seconds to save your changes. I sent a complaint to the company that makes the consent box, and they responded "website owner configured it incorrectly, nothing we can do" LOL