To not understand 'dark mode'

[PlatinumJubileeBubilee]

Honestly, a bit of a pointless post because it all comes down to personal preference I supposed. But I don't understand the appeal of 'dark mode' on peoples mobiles and computers. I work with quite a few people who use dark mode and I find it so hard to view and look at. And yes, before anyone asks why I care about their settings - it's because I work in an environment where I often have to look at the other persons device to see something or approve something. I find it very difficult to see all of the white text on dark black backgrounds, and feel like the black darkens everything and throws the colours off.

Aside from aesthetics is there an actual reason why someone would chose dark mode?

There's a reason it's an option.

Some people find it easier.

Do you get upset when people use Arial instead of Times New Roman?

I only use it cos I must have accidentally pressed something and now the phone is stick on dark mode and I can't switch it back to light mode.

I find it glares far less and saves battery life.

I struggle when people screenshot flouncy unreadable fonts from their phone for you to read.

Because I have to really strain my eyes to focus in on the colours so I can identify what logos they are. They just kind of jump out and are 'there' on a regular light background.

Very interesting to hear about lights sensitive people preferring dark mode, because I would consider myself light sensitive - but mainly outdoors even when it's cloudy. Other than that I love light rooms, walls, lighting etc. I can't stand dim light and dark rooms most of the time. On another random note the people I know (family and friends) who like and prefer dim light, watch TV in the dark and read in dim light all need glasses.

For those of you who do prefer dark mode, I'm glad the options available for it. Just don't pass me your phone and ask me to look at something on it 😂

Personally I find dark mode much easier on the eyes -- not so much harsh light burning my retina. Didn't think that makes me a psychopath, but perhaps I need to reflect on that.

Agree

We have someone in our work who not only uses dark mode but has their default email font set at a huge font size 20 and uses yellow highlighting liberally.

Youve literally answered your own question! You like light as you can read/see it better. Others use dark mode as they can read/see it better.

Dark mode is easier on the eyes and on mobile devices it can help with battery life.

I use dark mode and blue light filter in the evenings and at night, not only easier on tired eyes but helps your brain switch off for sleep.

Also use dark mode if outside at nighttime or using my phone at night when someone is driving, as the lower brightness level is less intrusive and distracting.

Working in software, I find it usually Dev inclined techies. So... lol

Or a vampire.

That might be something to do with astigmatism, then, as the change in shape of the eyeball means that you get a lot of flare from light sources?

I use dark mode. I find it much less harsh. I am short sighted and have astigmatisms in both eyes.

It's not just about migraines and comfort on the eyes. It's about the fact that looking at bright screens in the period before going to bed without dark mode or a blue light filter can mess with people's sleep.

I always use dark mode because I find the white screen too bright. I also have floaters in my eyes and can’t bear to see black dots flying around the white screen.

I spend half the night breastfeeding my non-sleeping baby back to sleep repeatedly....a dark screen is way better when reading at night, especially when you don't want any extra light to keep your baby awake

I wish mumsnet app did dark mode! I find it a lot easier on my eyes.

I don't get on well with dark mode but some of colleagues do. I do wonder if I'd get used to it eventually but when they share their screen I do struggle.
It also does strange things if you paste stuff in Chats whilst in dark mode like it puts black text on a black background

I'm hyper sensitive to light. White screens give my head and eye pain and make my eyes water. And I can't read black text on white back ground very well.

And it’s a problem for you because……………?

How do you get dark mode on iPad ?

I like my screens dark ... like my soul

OP - You’re not a centre light person are you?

[shudders]

I have nerve and muscle damage to my eyes which makes my eyes really sensitive to bright lights and causes pain in my eyes/brings on migraines. For those reasons I switch on dark mode and also have eye comfort shield switched on on my phone. No one would know though why I have them switched on so I understand you not knowing/understanding why people switch these modes on.

Dark mode is a revelation TBH. For me it’s a combination of migraine and dyslexia.

but I think I’ll subtly promote the link with psychopathy to colleagues. For a quieter life.