Back in June, I wrote about the light-mode/dark-mode controversy and the article by Adam Engst claiming—and citing substantiating research—that all the claims of dark mode’s superiority are nonsense and, in fact, the opposite of the truth. In particular, dark mode is not easier on the eyes, is not easier to read, and doesn’t lead to better comprehension. Contrariwise, it’s light mode that does all those things.
As a member of the elite despised light mode minority, I found his article gratifying but didn’t take it very seriously. Now, though, it’s time to fire another volley. Over at Gizmodo, Andrew Couts claims that Dark Mode Is for Suckers. You can tell by the title that Couts’ piece is a bit more hyperbolic than Angst’s evenhanded recitation of the research.
Nonetheless, Couts also cites research and backs up his rhetoric with facts. His explanation for the prevalence and preference for dark mode is fashion. People claim that dark mode looks better and who can argue with someone’s subjective judgment on such matters. Couts counters that fashion comes and goes and that what seems trendy today will seem horrible in a few years. He could have illustrated his argument with, say, avocado colored kitchen appliances but chose an even more terrifying example. Follow the link to see what it is. If you dare.