The Dark Mode is an epidemic that has swept across the globe and right into our smartphones. Also known as the light-on-dark-color scheme, night mode, or black mode, it is not new at all. Computers screens originally used what we now know as Dark Mode, because of the capacities of the cathode-ray tubes used in early devices. But in a bid to encourage people who weren’t programmers to use computers, interfaces were gradually adapted to resemble real paper — black over light-colored background.

How come Dark Mode is back?

As early as 1988, Dannemiller and Stephens showed that a 3 months old baby is more attracted to dark-on-light pictures than to light-on-dark. Several years later, a study conducted by An-Hsiang in 2003 found that displaying text against light background allowed participants to read and comprehend text faster than if it was displayed using a light-on-dark color scheme. This first suggested that dark text on a white background is more appropriate for everyday tasks, leaving the Dark Mode completely aside.

However, some years later, Deguang Li showed that due to the technologies used at the time, darker areas of the screen consume less electricity, allowing longer battery times on portable devices like phones. Ever since, the benefits of Dark Mode towards eye strain have been intensively studied. Even today, the science behind it is still quite shady. Yet, the scientific community seems certain to have arrived at some common conclusions: Using Dark Mode does help improving eyes strain in low-light environments.

But it was not until 2017 that the Dark Mode term became popular again. Sylvian Boyer began an artistic movement by the name “eco branding”, extending the Dark Mode to smartphones with OLED screens.

Ecobranding Dark Mode design.

The idea behind Dark Mode is that it reduces the light emitted by device screens while maintaining the minimum colour contrast ratios required for readability. Thus reducing the strain experienced by human eyes while extending our smartphone battery. It all was achieved while boosting the UI experience with a minimalist and elegant design. Ever since this idea was back in our mindset, the world seems to have fallen for the charms of the dark mode and want it all just a little bit — darker.

The spreading of Dark Mode

Since the Dark Mode concept was resurrected, all big tech companies leap forward to make it the default — and not the anomaly. After having used the light mode for so long, the Dark Mode was a breath of fresh air, looking new without being a complete re-design. At the same time, it worked as an efficient solution to problems caused by our constant use of electronic devices such as eye strain or using screens in low-light environments.

This is why, already in 2017, some companies and digital services as Twitch or Reddit started to offer the Dark Mode as an additional feature. They were followed in 2018 by Apple first launching the dark mode in macOS Mojave and Microsoft launching it for Microsoft’s Office. And just like a ripple effect, the year 2019 was quite a turning point. First Twitter redesigns its historical gray-blue version to a full dark theme. Then, Google announces a fully native Android dark theme in development. Finally, Apple’s brand new iOS 13 turned millions of iPhones dark at once. More than 90 digital services went dark during 2019 alone.

After this, it was just a matter of time. As of today, more than 300 digital services present the Dark Mode feature. You can check the full list below.

So, the main question here is: Is it time to join the dark side?

Apple described its new Dark Mode design as a “distraction-free environment that’s easy on the eyes — in every way”. However, it cannot be denied that every individual is different and of course, the Dark Mode is more of a personal preference than an absolute answer: some people feel more comfortable, less tired and more focused while using it. Some other, just do not.

What are the main Dark Mode pros?

• It is friendly to human eyes as reduces eye strain and dry eyes in low-light conditions.
• It’s better for low-light environments — so you can use it in the cinema without disturbing other people.
• There will be less ‘blue light’ emitted from your phone — which can keep you awake if you use your phone before you go to bed.
• Allows to use less energy so your phone battery will last longer.
• More inclusive for people with light sensitivity or visual impairment.

What are the main Dark Mode cons?

• Light text on a dark background can be difficult to read in a well-lit sunny room.
• If you have a phone with an older LCD screen, Dark Mode won’t really save your battery. Only OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screens do save battery while using the Dark Mode.

In conclusion, all the above makes Dark Mode a great new addition to the functionality of a user interface and the user has the final decision if joining the dark side or remaining in the old reliable light mode.

All in all, there are clearly two main factors that played a key role in helping the Dark Mode become a global phenomenon. From the large companies side, Dark Mode is a simple and cheap feature that allows the increase of battery time without modifying the hardware itself. From the user’s point of view, Dark Mode increases comfort in conditions with low lighting. Especially today, in times when people spend large amount of time in front of screens, the Dark Mode is considered as a great cure for the eyes, that looks good as well at the same time.

The light mode dazzles you — or at least, will actively contribute on spoiling your eyes in the long run. Image by Oladimeji Ajegbil