People who use dark mode often do so for reduced eye strain in low light, better focus, aesthetic preference, energy saving, or because they have visual needs like light sensitivity, though it can be tricky for some conditions like astigmatism. This includes tech professionals, older adults, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone using devices at night, seeking a softer, less glaring interface.
Accessibility Benefits – Offering a dark theme option ensures that you can accommodate users with visual impairments or light sensitivity. The dark mode reduces their eye strain and allows them to read and fill out forms comfortably.
Dark mode, when done correctly, reduces this disruption. Users are less mentally fatigued when they work with dark interfaces in dark environments. The dark mode is psychologically associated with sophistication and concentration.
Reduced eye strain: Dark mode can significantly reduce eye strain, particularly in low-light environments. The contrast between text and background is less harsh, making it easier for users to read for extended periods without discomfort.
For some people with ADHD, dark mode helps minimize distractions produced by bright screens while reducing visual noise, thus helping to keep focus on the primary content.
Not surprisingly, this extreme sensitivity displayed by ADHD patients often manifests with eye-related symptoms: reduced visual sharpness, myopia, impaired depth and color perception, among others. In addition, persons with ADHD also report strong sensitivity to bright light, known as photophobia.
The consensus is that the "non-colours", white and black, and the colours yellow, green, and orange are generally most acceptable. These colours ( yellow, green, orange ) are in the middle of the visible spectrum (the range of colours that our eyes can detect).
Dark Mode and Generation Z
Here's why dark mode resonates with this generation: Aesthetic Sensibility: Gen Z values aesthetics, often gravitating toward visually striking designs. Dark mode's sleek appearance aligns with their preferences for modern and minimalist interfaces.
Our attraction to the macabre isn't necessarily a sign of something wrong; it can be a natural expression of our inner psychological landscape. Immersing ourselves in dark themes can serve as an emotional outlet.
Dark mode should make it easier for your eyes to adjust from your dimly lit surroundings to your phone screen, reducing screen glare. This may reduce eye strain and minimize eye fatigue.
Using screen in the dark was associated with higher likelihood of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.67, 2.15) and severe depressive symptoms (OR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.54, 2.31).
The Psychology Behind the Dark Mode UI Design Choices
Dark interfaces naturally create a sense of depth and focus, allowing the mind to concentrate on essential content while filtering out distractions. This effect explains why users often describe dark mode as more immersive and comfortable during extended screen use.
Research shows that 82% of mobile users prefer dark mode. Before jumping into dark mode implementation, it's crucial to consider your users' habits and environments.
Glare reduction can improve reading efficiency by up to 50% for some low-vision users. Contrast sensitivity declines with age, making dark mode particularly beneficial for older adults. Neurodivergent users, including those with autism and ADHD, find dark mode less overstimulating, improving focus and usability.
Dark mode inverses this palette — with light text on a dark background — and has gained popularity for its modern look, perceived elegance, and claims of reduced eye strain. It's often preferred in low-light environments and by users seeking a visually softer interface.
It feels more real than forced positivity , more interesting, mysterious. In this chaotic world , it feels safe, grounding and peaceful. It reminds us that sometimes brokeness can also look beautiful . It can also hide our tears , our vulnerability that we fear to show to the people.
This group of people with ADHD and circadian rhythm problems have a natural tendency to be "night owls," feeling more alert and productive in the evenings.
Benefits of dark mode for eye strain
Dark mode can reduce eye strain and glare, specifically when using screens in dimly lit or nighttime settings. It lowers the contrast between screen brightness and surrounding darkness. However, this benefit is context-dependent.
People who like black may be conventional, conservative and serious, or they may think of themselves as being sophisticated or very dignified. The color black is often seen as a color of sophistication, as in 'the little black dress', or 'the black tie event'.
Is dark mode better for your eyes? While dark mode has a lot of benefits, it may not be better for your eyes. Using dark mode is helpful in that it's easier on the eyes than a stark, bright white screen. However, using a dark screen requires your pupils to dilate which can make it harder to focus on the screen.
Well, first of all, it's beautiful. Dark themes can reduce perceived eye strain in low-light conditions. A dark theme eliminates screen flickering issues (if you still work on such a monitor).
But if you want to be on the side of caution, switching to dark mode on your phone and dimming your computer screen reduces some of the blue light emitted. And going hands-free when talking on your smartphone keeps it off your face.
The study's findings suggest that text color significantly affects visual fatigue, with red text causing the highest level of visual fatigue and yellow text causing the lowest level of visual fatigue.
The "30-30-30 rule" for eyes is a guideline to combat digital eye strain: every 30 minutes of screen time, look away at something 30 feet away for at least 30 seconds, allowing your eyes' focusing muscles to relax and rehydrate, helping prevent dryness, fatigue, and headaches from prolonged screen use. While the popular 20-20-20 rule (20 feet for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) is similar, the 30-30-30 version emphasizes a slightly longer break for deeper refocusing.
What is the best screen setting for your eyes?