Many disadvantages, almost no advantages
With the latest update, WhatsApp introduced dark mode for all users. This mode should protect our eyes and batteries, but is this true? It's not that simple, and dark mode has decisive disadvantages.
WhatsApp launches dark mode. But should you use it completely? [Source: valeriofebbo / depositphotos.com]
The popular Messenger WhatsApp has a new update that integrates the long-awaited feature-Dark Mode. In the beta version, dark mode has been used for some time, and now dark mode is activated for everyone. It is said to protect our eyes and the battery life of our devices again and again. But is this model really healthy for people and phones?
Let's start with rumors about longer battery life. Yes, dark mode may extend battery life. On devices with OLED screens, when most of the screen is black, there is less room to illuminate-this has a positive effect on battery life because less energy must be used. But, for example, WhatsApp mainly relies on dark shades of gray rather than pure black.
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In addition, the standard background image is not black, but gray. This means that the entire screen must still be illuminated. In this case, you cannot expect longer battery life. Tip: Use a black background image to save at least some energy.
Man is not born for Dark Mode
Dark mode should protect our eyes and reduce our fatigue in dark environments. Everyone who walks out of the dark room into the dazzling noon sun knows this-dazzling azz. Bright screens [such as when we're in bed] can do just that. In this case, dark mode is more pleasing, but reducing the screen brightness has a similar effect. In addition, this model has decisive disadvantages.
Most of our human lives live in bright surroundings-we sleep at night. Our visual behavior is also adapted to this. Light background, contrasting foreground-simplified. Just as the various studies cited by author and technical journalist Adam Engst in his detailed article "The Dark Side of Dark Mode", research proves that we humans prefer "light in the dark".
As a result, we can focus darker fonts faster and better on lighter backgrounds. In this case, compared with white writing on a dark background, the recognition of the letters, text understanding and reading speed are also better. Dark mode usually makes screen content harder to read. It also has the disadvantage of making our eyes fatigue faster.
Still, dark mode has advantages
However, dark mode has more than drawbacks. We humans are different: Dark Mode can help people with migraines. At least if this is triggered by light. Dark mode also provides an advantage for people with low vision who are sensitive to bright light.
That being said, the dark mode reduces blue light and keeps us awake. Ultimately, dark mode is a problem for most people. Do you like it, do you feel less stressed? Then use it! But please consider: if dark mode at night is more enjoyable for us, we will hang on the phone for longer before we finally drop the phone and fall asleep.
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