Careful! Dark mode has silent risks that no one tells you about

Have you ever wondered why some apps and websites give you the option to use dark mode or clear? What is the difference between them and which would be best for your eye and mental health?

Below, we’ll explore the science behind choosing your device’s look, as well as the potential benefits and risks of each for your health.

Dark mode and the risks of using it

Image: Reproduction

Dark mode is a setting that inverts the screen colors, using a black or dark gray background and white or light text. Light mode is the opposite, as it uses a white or light background at its base, in addition to black or dark text on top.

The idea behind dark mode is that it reduces screen glare and eye strain, especially in low-light environments. Additionally, dark mode may save battery on some devices with OLED screens, which turn off black pixels.

However, this mode also has its disadvantages, which deserve users’ attention. This is because some research suggests that it can harm reading and understanding textsas it reduces the contrast between the letters and the background.

Furthermore, the so-called “dark mode” can interfere with your circadian rhythm, which is the body’s natural sleep and wake cycle. This happens because this mode emits less blue light, which is a signal to the brain to stay alert.

Therefore, if you use dark mode at night, you may have difficulty falling asleep or, worse than that, still feel drowsy in the morning.

And the clear mode? How does it work, anyway?

Light mode, in turn, has its own benefits and risks. It can make reading and concentration easier, as it increases the contrast between the letters and the background of your device’s screen.

Furthermore, it can help regulate the circadian rhythm, as it emits a greater amount of blue light, which is a stimulus for the brain to prepare for sleep. If you use this mode during the day, you may have more energy and stamina.

However, light mode also deserves attention as it can cause some health problems. Excessive blue light can damage the retina and can also increase the brightness of the retina. screen and cause headaches, eye irritation and visual fatigue, especially in brightly lit environments.

Therefore, it is necessary to always be aware of the screen time you dedicate to everyday life. And, between dark and light mode, choose the one that is less harmful: light mode.