Dark Mode Sucks • Hacker News Board

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#11

Post by CamperBob2 » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:19 PM UTC

evanjrowley wrote: post #10

Without taking an extreme or absolutist stance on this issue, I generally agree with the author here. Dark mode should be reserved for after sunset and before sunrise. The eyes are adapted to see daylight levels of light during daytime. If your ambient lighting and screen don't match this, then you're not using your body in the way it's evolved to function. What we need more of are screens with anti-glare and a wide…

Dark mode should be reserved for after sunset and before sunrise.

Well, I'll meet the dark-mode people halfway, and say that it should always be available to users who want it.

No one is saying that a personal preference for dark mode is invalid, just that it shouldn't be the default option, or worse, the only option.

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#12

Post by xphos » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:20 PM UTC

I kind of wish white showed up as that manila bookish paper color. I think my eyes read that better than white. But I dont mind dark mode either. I wouldn't never say its mandatory though

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#13

Post by Oreb » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:20 PM UTC

evanjrowley wrote: post #10

Without taking an extreme or absolutist stance on this issue, I generally agree with the author here. Dark mode should be reserved for after sunset and before sunrise. The eyes are adapted to see daylight levels of light during daytime. If your ambient lighting and screen don't match this, then you're not using your body in the way it's evolved to function. What we need more of are screens with anti-glare and a wide…

> Dark mode should be reserved for after sunset and before sunrise.

Isn’t that already how it works in all major operating systems?

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#14

Post by mikelitoris » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:21 PM UTC

You do realize, people can be sitting in the dark right? Right?!

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#15

Post by pshirshov » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:21 PM UTC

Yeah, yeah, it sucks. Unless you have some particular vision issues. Then it doesn't suck, but this enlightened opinion does.

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#16

Post by semiinfinitely » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:22 PM UTC

> your ambient lighting is crap . That will kill your eyesight

it is a myth that dim lighting negatively impacts eyesight long term.

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#17

Post by dsmurrell » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:22 PM UTC

I only prototype in dark mode (my strong preference), to cater for both would be a waste of time.

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#18

Post by evanjrowley » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:22 PM UTC

Oreb wrote: post #13

evanjrowley wrote: post #10

Without taking an extreme or absolutist stance on this issue, I generally agree with the author here. Dark mode should be reserved for after sunset and before sunrise. The eyes are adapted to see daylight levels of light during daytime. If your ambient lighting and screen don't match this, then you're not using your body in the way it's evolved to function. What we need more of are screens with anti-glare and a wide…

> Dark mode should be reserved for after sunset and before sunrise. Isn’t that already how it works in all major operating systems?

Indeed! I also recognize that it would be even better if more apps and websites supported this.

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#19

Post by p_ing » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:22 PM UTC

The only dark mode I like is in my console of choice.

Unless I want to emulate a Solaris console, which has a lovely font.

Re: Dark Mode Sucks

#20

Post by mberning » Sun, Nov 23, 2025, 5:22 PM UTC

It’s a godsend for people with legitimate vision issues, such as eye floaters.