Since we are on our devices, for the most part, these days, the display that we choose to use may have an impact on us. Most technology companies have been introducing the dark mode feature in their operating systems. The companies have been raving about this feature to have great benefits. But, is the Dark Mode Display feature worth all the hype? Read on to know.
Let’s begin with the good things that the Dark Mode has to offer:
1. It increases the battery life of your device
When we look at our devices on a white background, each individual pixel is lit which increases the amount of power consumed by the device. In contrast, while using the dark mode, most of the pixels are switched off. So, the power consumption of your device reduces enhancing its battery life. However, this feature is limited to devices with OLED screens, so unless you’re an OLED screen user, you may not find any significant increase in battery life.
2. It cuts the exposure to blue light
We all have been asked to stay away from our devices for at least an hour or two before going to bed. This is because our phones and laptops emit some blue light that suppresses the release of melatonin. This hormone is released when we are exposed to the dark and it helps us sleep better and fights diseases. Continued exposure to light late into the night may therefore block its release which may lead to a lack of proper sleep and restlessness the next day.
Using a dark screen may considerably reduce this exposure to blue light although this is not scientifically proven yet.
3. Graphics look brighter and vivid
For a number of years, we have gotten used to looking at great graphics on a white background. The introduction of the dark background has given the graphic designers a new playground to experiment with colour contrasts and saturation. We must admit that the colours do look vivid and brighter on a dark background.
4. It’s the latest trend
With large software companies introducing the new ‘it’ feature, it’s only more likely that everyone else also wants to part of the trend. More and more companies have been introducing this feature on their devices.
Now that we have covered the good things that the Dark mode feature has to offer to its consumers, let’s also look at some of the not so good things:
1. Fuzzy Text for People with Astigmatism
People with Astigmatism (irregular shapes of eyes) which is close to 50% of the population), with varying degrees of the condition may find it difficult to focus on bright text over the dark background as per the research conducted by the American Optometric Association.
2. The Halation effect may reduce your productivity
When reading in a dark mode, the lighter text spreads beyond its boundaries. Essentially, It makes the lighter text bleed into the dark background. This puts more strain on your eyes to be able to read the text. This is more prominent when reading longer texts. It may slow down your reading speed and productivity.
3. Humans biologically prefer the Light-mode
We, humans, are biologically made to be active during the day and sleep during the night. When we are exposed to sunlight during the day we look at objects in front of us on a lighter background of the sunlight. Therefore, Humans prefer the light on a dark background because it has been human nature for centuries.
In conclusion, life is all about balance. My preference is to use the Light mode during the day and automatically shifting it to the Dark mode after sunset. What is your preference? Do you enjoy using the Dark Mode feature? Are you comfortable working for long hours on dark mode? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.
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