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Why do people prefer black-text-on-white-background for their Kindle / ebook readers; but bright-text-on-dark-background for their IDEs?

Both are instances of reading text on a screen. Scientifically, one of them has to be more efficient (i mean faster and more accurate reading, not energy consumption) that the other. Do you know which one?

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    Hi Noam, welcome to ux.SE. I'm not familiar on any figures that support your claim - BW theme preference - on either eReaders or IDEs. And scientifically speaking one does not have to be more 'efficient' than the other, although depending on context (typically environment) some may be more 'pleasant' than others. But that issue is far from your question.
    – Izhaki
    Jul 13, 2020 at 7:10
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    I prefer dark text on light background for everything. I am not sure where you got this information from. but even if you can provide a source I don't think we would be able to answer the question with any proven facts. Answers would likely just be personal opinions. Also, what even is your definition of "more efficient"?
    – musefan
    Jul 13, 2020 at 8:56
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    Kindle displays were designed by typographers, UX experts and graphic artists. IDEs are set up by programmers and hobbyists. That's the difference.
    – Rob
    Jul 13, 2020 at 9:56
  • Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate it.
    – Noam Musk
    Jul 13, 2020 at 10:40
  • subtle colour and weighting differences are more easily discernible on a dark background.
    – Confused
    Jul 14, 2020 at 15:30

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