Dark Mode: its impact on you and your device

To celebrate the release of Outwrite's all-new 'dark mode', we decided to take a deeper look at what 'dark mode' is, and the effects it has on you and your devices.

To find out how to use Outwrite's dark mode, click here.

What is a 'dark mode'?

'Dark mode', also known as 'Light on dark color scheme', 'Night mode' and 'Dark theme', is a color scheme. It replaces dark text on a light background with light text on a dark background. Think of it as a color inverted version of your regular screen.

The first computers or CRTs had the same appearance as 'dark mode' due to their screens construction with phosphor, which illuminated green when in contact with an electron beam. Over time, computers and their screens have progressed, and no longer use this technology to display images to the user.

The 'dark on light' color scheme (opposite of 'dark mode', commonly found as the standard setting on computers, tablets and phones) was introduced with the first word processors. Its intention was to emulate the look of dark ink on paper.

From that point on, we have become accustomed to seeing a dark on light color scheme. The light background also makes the colors on the screen brighter and more vibrant. The bright and colorful display of modern devices entices us to use them more and more. Much like the feathers of a peacock, the bright colors lure us in, which, whether they admit it or not, is what manufacturers want.

The effects of 'dark mode'

On your device:

In some cases, activating dark mode will help save battery on your device. If your device has an OLED screen (used in: iPhone XS, Google Pixel 3, Samsung Galaxy S9 etc.), you could see a significant impact on your battery. Dark mode allows the device to turn off specific pixels, meaning any pixel that is black is not using your battery. Interesting, hey!

On you:

A study by the Bright Focus Foundation found that fishermen exposed to greater levels of reflected blue light (the same light as your phone and other devices) had increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which causes blindness. Similarly, a test on mice found when their eyes were exposed to bright lights or screens for long periods of time, permanent damage occurred to the retina. Dark modes significantly reduce the amount of 'bright' light your screen produces and may actually help protect your eyes in the long run.

It is also well known that bright colors are more attractive to the eye. All colors are amplified by the brightness of your screens. By using a 'dark mode', there will be fewer bright colors to attract your eyes, which might help you reduce your screen time.

Closing note: Good for you and your device

Whilst seemingly insignificant, using dark mode where you can will not only help increase the life of your battery, but may also minimize the risk of permanent eye damage. It's also pretty cool to look at!

To try the new dark mode in the Outwrite Editor, simply head to outwrite.com.