If the vast majority of people recognized ads and skipped them as more technically minded people do, they'd either not do that or step up a notch and make them even harder to spot. The reality is that these dark patterns do work for a large part of the users. We're the lucky few who can stay away though it is taxing and tiring.

Or at least we’re arrogant enough to think it doesn’t affect us.

The sickening truth is that most normals don't turn their attention in another way even when they recognize an ad for what it is.