When it comes to saving the environment, many people are willing to take drastic measures. This was certainly the case for those who decided to transition from Google to Blackle back in 2007, touted as the dark mode, energy-saving alternative to the popular search engine. While some viewed this decision as merely a form of greenwashing, others were eager to cut down on their energy consumption and help reduce their carbon footprint.
Whether or not Blackle’s dark interface is truly impactful remains up for debate. However, one thing is clear: it has succeeded in raising awareness about the need for green technologies and sustainable practices. So even if Blackle’s dark theme isn’t quite as effective as we’ve been led to believe, it still represents an important step forward towards a more environmentally friendly future.
What does the research say about dark mode?
In today’s digital age, it seems like dark mode is everywhere. From social media platforms like LinkedIn, Snapchat, and Instagram, to smartphones like Apple and Android devices, the dark theme seems to be gaining in popularity.
Some swear by the battery saving benefits of a dark theme, while others find it easier to read light text on a dark background. While many people may choose to switch to dark mode in an effort to save battery life, a recent study by Purdue University suggests that this strategy might not actually be as effective as we once thought.
It turns out that dark mode only saves energy if your phone is on the brightest setting. If you’re on auto brightness, dark mode only saves a negligible 3 to 9 percent of battery. In other words, unless you’re actively trying to desperately conserve battery, dark mode isn’t going to make much of a difference. So if you’re still debating whether or not to switch to a dark theme, the choice is entirely up to you.
How to save energy on mobile devices
There are many ways that we can save energy on our phones, and dark mode may not be the most effective strategy. In fact, recent studies have shown that streaming just one video in HD on your phone can emit more carbon than streaming in standard resolution, meaning that it’s best to stream all your videos in SD to save energy.
Additionally, turning off background video streaming from apps like Spotify can also help reduce your phone’s overall energy consumption, so make sure to choose these settings whenever they’re available.
Ultimately, there are many small changes we can make to reduce our impact on the environment while still enjoying our favourite apps. So next time you’re scrolling through social media, keep these tips in mind!