This study examines how cookie consent environments, particularly website familiarity and banner consistency, influence users’ consent decisions. Using a realistic experimental setting, the findings show that interface consistency strongly increases cookie acceptance, while cognitive load and privacy fatigue shape the effects of familiarity and privacy concerns. The study highlights that the privacy paradox is influenced not only by individual attitudes but also by the design of consent environments.Recommended citation: Çınar, N., & Yahya, A. (2026). The Privacy Paradox by Design: How Consent Environments Shape Cookie Consent Decisions. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=6749282 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6749282
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