Over the last few years, more and more operating systems, applications, apps and websites have been given an alternative, darker display mode. ComputerBase also offers a darker, black-orange look in addition to the white-blue color scheme. But does the community use such dark modes – and if so, where and when?
Table of contents
- Let there be darkness
- How and where do you use dark modes?
- How many readers use ComputerBase in dark mode?
- And what about blue light filters?
- Participation is expressly desired
- Overview of the last ten Sunday questions
- Motivation and data usage
There will be darkness
Dark mode, dark mode, night mode – whatever name manufacturers and developers choose for the alternative display option; What they have in common is that they invert the background color white, which was transported from paper to software in the 1970s. Pure black does not always have to be used here: it is much more common to use dark gray or blue tones, which in combination with mostly not light white but light gray writing create a pleasant contrast and easily legible typeface. Many users find such dark modes to be easy on the eyes, especially in the evening hours and at night. Plus, with OLED screens that have self-illuminating pixels, the benefit of lower power consumption comes with darker display modes.
So it is not surprising that all major operating systems now offer a dark mode. Apple introduced the option for the first time with macOS 10.14 Mojave in autumn 2018, with iOS it was a year later. Microsoft, on the other hand, is gradually introducing dark mode – little by little, more applications and components of the Windows operating systems offer a dark appearance. Apart from that, the vast majority of web browsers now also come with a dark mode and at the beginning of 2022 Google is finally experimenting with a dark background for its own search engine.
ComputerBase was a bit faster there: A dark mode was already available in the summer of 2019 and in the following autumn it was also delivered automatically if the browser or operating system was configured accordingly dark. However, users can also override this and force either the light or dark mode in the settings, if desired.
How and where do you use dark modes ?
But how do the members of the ComputerBase community actually deal with dark modes? Have darker appearances become readers' favorites – or does the majority of community members still prefer the classic light appearance? The first question should therefore explore whether and when dark modes are used.
Do you use dark modes?
- Yes. Overall. Whenever possible. i live in the dark
- Yes, but not at all times. In the evening or at night I fall back on dark modes if available; not during the day.
- Yes, but only for selected applications, apps and websites. It also happens that I consciously decide against a dark mode.
- No, I prefer classic bright user interfaces.
- Abstain (show result)
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The second question is directly linked to this: With which operating systems, applications, apps and websites do you use a dark mode – if available? The answer options include a selection of different categories, but of course do not claim to be complete. If you like, you can go into detail about individual application areas in the comments.
Where do you resort to dark mode?
- Desktop OS
- Mobile OS
- Infotainment system in the car
- Map services
- Office applications
- IDE
- Web browser
- Web browser reading view
- Internet search engine
- Video portals
- Messenger apps
- Social media apps and websites
- abstain (show result)
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The next question goes a little further: Are there readers who not only use the available dark modes, but also choose apps and websites based on this criterion? Or is it the exact opposite?
Do you consciously choose dark mode apps and websites?
- Yes, if possible I avoid websites, apps and applications that do not offer dark mode.
- No, I don't care.
- On the contrary: I don't like dark modes – if I can't choose a light mode for a website, app or application, then I don't like it at all.
- Abstain (Show result)
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And if a website or program doesn't offer an official dark mode, do you use third-party software like browser extensions or skins to bring darkness into light?
Uses you browser extensions etc. to compensate for missing dark modes?
- Yes, I use browser extensions, mods and skins for apps and applications more often to darken light user interfaces.
- No – I didn't even know that something like this was possible!
- No. Although I am aware of the corresponding options, I don't use them because the implementation simply causes problems too often, i.e. things are presented incorrectly.
- No. I'm aware of the possibilities, but I don't see a need for it.
- Abstain (Show result)
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Anyone who has had good experiences with a special dark mode extension is invited to report about it here – there are bound to be one or two readers who are looking after an appropriate extension.
How many readers use ComputerBase in dark mode?
The next question is self-explanatory: Does ComputerBase shine with you classic in white coloring or do you see the website in elegant black?
Do you use the dark mode on ComputerBase?
- Yes, I have forced dark mode in settings.
- It depends – for me the mode depends on the browser or operating system. Sometimes it's light, sometimes it's dark.
- No, I forced the light color mode in the settings.
- Abstain (Show result)
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For more than four years now, the ComputerBase community has been at home not only in the forum, but also on a Discord server. The messenger's infamous light theme is the source of numerous memes, as the light appearance stands in particular contrast to the default dark mode.
Are you using Discord in dark mode?
- Yes – and I wasn't even aware that Discord offers a light mode.
- Yes, I use Discord in Dark Mode on purpose.
- No, Discord shines in light mode for me.
- Abstain (Show result)
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If you don't use Discord at all, please abstain.
And what about blue-light filters ?
In addition to the option of using a dark mode in the evening hours to protect the eyes, many operating systems also offer night modes that reduce the luminosity of the blue pixels and consequently immerse the entire image in a yellow-red color cast. It is true that a positive effect of such blue light filters on sleep could not be proven; for many users, however, the corresponding modes also create a much more pleasant, less harsh contrast to the predominantly warm artificial lighting indoors. Do you use such features?
Do you use night modes that dim blue light?
- Yes, I like to use that.
- No, I don't like the yellow-red color cast.
- Abstain (Show result)
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Participation is expressly desired
As always, the editors are happy to receive well-founded and detailed reasons for your decisions in the comments on the current Sunday question. If you have completely different views that are not covered by the polls in the article, please post them in the comments. Ideas and suggestions for additions to the content of the current or future surveys are also welcome.
Readers who have not yet taken part in the past Sunday questions are welcome to do so – the surveys always run for a period of 30 days and the only requirement for participation is a free ComputerBase account. In particular, there are still exciting discussions going on in the ComputerBase forum about the last Sunday questions.
Overview of the last ten Sunday questions
- Game modding: Do you modify your games? And if so, which ones and how?
- Rebranding and new editions: Old technology with a new name – (when) is that legitimate?
- TV and video streaming: Which streaming services do you use and how much does it cost?
- The perfect PC screen: What does your display setup look like on the PC (in a dream)?
- The CES 2023 in retrospect: What are your highlights and lowlights from Las Vegas?
- Luxury gaming PC: Is a high-end computer still acceptable in 2023?
- Christmas question: What technology is under the tree (in your dreams)?
- Nvidia vs. AMD: How do you feel about the launch of GeForce RTX 4000 and Radeon RX 7000?
- Upstream, downstream, ping: How good is your internet connection at home?
- Do you still use SMS ? And if so, how?
Motivation and data use
The sole purpose of the data collected as part of the Sunday Questions is to make the mood within the community and the hardware and software preferences of the readers and their development more visible. There is no financial or advertising background and there is no evaluation for market research purposes or the data is not transmitted to third parties.
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