Should You Turn on Dark Mode?

Should You Turn on Dark Mode?

In recent years, dark mode has become a trend in the world of tech. Many say that it looks dope and that it saves battery life. This post explores whether or not you should turn on dark mode from an environmental perspective. 

Related: Is Dark Mode Good for the Environment?

What is Dark Mode?

Dark mode, also known as night mode or dark theme, is when the background of an app, user interface, or website displays light-colored text or graphics on a black or dark gray background. Last July, EarthPlex transitioned to a dark mode. That means our site's background is now black, and the text in our posts is light gray. See the image above to compare dark mode (right) to a standard/light mode (left).

Should you use it? 

To determine whether or not you should use dark mode, we will look from an environmental lens. The answer is yes. You should use dark mode because it saves battery, which means that your device will use fewer resources, for it will not need to charge as frequently. Dark themes have the greatest effect on OLED and AMOLED displays since black pixels can turn off.

Does it matter?

Even though dark mode is the better choice to use less energy, the impact is minimal. Other activities are more effective in slowing down the consequences of climate change. If dark mode bothers you or you find it difficult to use your device in a night mode, it isn't worth turning on.