Exploitative Growth Hacks

Viral Loops with Imposed Sharing

Features are locked or gated behind sharing requirements, turning users into acquisition channels to access basic functionality.

Forced Opt-Ins

Account creation, newsletter subscriptions, or permissions are embedded into unrelated flows, increasing conversion by minimizing friction or visibility.

Onboarding Loopholes

Bypassing standard compliance or moderation checks through alternate signup flows, increasing speed to market or reducing acquisition barriers.

Hidden Feature Unlocks

Strategic placement of powerful features behind arbitrary actions, encouraging repetitive use or progression through non-obvious triggers.

Incentive Gaming

Using referral, reward, or loyalty systems in ways that amplify reach or retention disproportionately to cost or platform intent.