• Computer Science > Human-Computer Interaction [Submitted on 8 Jan 2026] Title:The Dark Side of Dark Mode – User behaviour rebound effects and consequences for digital energy consumption View PDFAbstract:User devices are the largest contributor to media related global emissions. • For web content, dark mode has been widely recommended as an energy-saving measure for certain display types. • However, the energy savings achieved by dark mode may be undermined by user behaviour. • This pilot study investigates the unintended consequences of dark mode adoption, revealing a rebound effect wherein users may increase display brightness when interacting with dark-themed web pages. • This behaviour may negate the potential energy savings that dark mode offers. • Our findings suggest that the energy efficiency benefits of dark mode are not as straightforward as commonly believed for display energy, and the interplay between content colourscheme and user behaviour must be carefully considered in sustainability guidelines and interventions.
Article Summaries:
- A pilot study published on 8 January 2026 examined the real‑world energy impact of “dark mode” on user devices. While dark themes are often promoted as a way to cut display power consumption, researchers found a rebound effect: users tend to raise screen brightness when browsing dark‑themed web pages. The increased brightness offsets the potential savings, meaning dark mode does not automatically reduce digital energy use. The findings suggest that sustainability guidelines for display energy must account for user behaviour and colour‑scheme interactions, rather than assuming dark mode alone delivers measurable emissions reductions.
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