In a world that is increasingly digital, the interfaces through which we interact with our technology play a critical role in our daily experiences. One important aspect of interface design is theming, which allows users to personalize their visual interaction with software applications and websites. Theming itself is a varied concept, but it enables users to tailor their digital environments according to their preferences, thereby enhancing usability and user satisfaction.

Among various theming options, ’Dark mode’ has risen to prominence as a notable design trend in recent years. The adoption of Dark mode by major software platforms and applications signifies its impact and growing relevance. However, the key factors that lead to its adoption are highly debated among end users. In addition, many websites and applications have yet to incorporate a Dark mode feature. For this reason, understanding what leads to these preferences has practical implications for web developers and designers as well.

To better understand and evaluate the motivations behind users’ Dark mode theme selection, a survey was conducted. The survey employed a questionnaire where the questions were rooted in a set of background hypotheses that are believed to be influential in determining why users opt for Dark or Light mode. These background hypotheses were formed using the literature existing in the field.

The results of the survey suggest that there is no single driver for Dark mode selection, rather, users might be weighing Dark mode’s visual appeal against functional benefits like reduced eye strain, focus, power savings, and select a theme based on these assumptions. A subset of users also tailor their own interfaces more than others, where the implications of application specificity rises to question. In addition, age also plays a factor in the selection, but only to a degree.