My computer turned orange

[Melody]

I was reading an article on Facebook about the problems caused by staring at a computer screen at night, on account of the blue light mimicking the Sun. It suggested downloading f.lux, which takes the blue out of the light when it's dark outside, so I went ahead with it since I spend most of the night at the computer.

 

My screen immediately turned this weird orange colour. I guess it'll be easier to adjust to in the future when the change is gradual over several hours, but it was a bit of a shock to start with. Then a little while later I went into my husband's office, where he was sitting at his computer, and the blue-white glare just about blinded me. So apparently I'd adjusted to the orange already.

 

I'll be interested to see if it makes my eyes any less tired in the future or has any other effect, because it's definitely quite weird. But I guess the lower light level is probably a good thing.

[alison]

Interesting: I didn't know about this, so thanks for that, Melody. Perhaps I should try it, given how many hours I spend on here or at work late at night!

[Melody]

Actually the change isn't all that gradual but it isn't quite instantaneous. And I managed to do my daily (erm, nightly) online jigsaw puzzle without any problems with the colours. So it's looking pretty good so far. Still looks a bit weird when you catch sight of the computer from a distance at night and there's this orange glow, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Edited November 3, 2015 by Melody

[Jan McNulty]

Over the last year or so I've read that it is unwise to pick up and use your smart phone in the night if you wake up (guilty as charged!) because of the daylight effect.  I hadn't thought about computer screens though.

 

I read the linked article Melody and unfortunately you cannot get the app for iPhones or iPads without fixes.

 

Food for thought though...

[zxDaveM]

does the blue light  alleviate SAD?

[Melody]

According to this article, a shot of the blue light in the morning might help with SAD; not sure how firm the research is.

 

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bright-screens-could-delay-bedtime/

[loveclassics]

Do you suppose the blue light stops you from feeling sleepy?  I notice that my bedtime is getting later and later now that I use the laptop mostly at night.

 

Linda

 

Ed: Just answered my own question by reading the link above.   No more late night Solitaire for me!

Edited November 9, 2015 by loveclassics

[alison]

Now you mention it, Linda ... well, you only have to see the times I'm posting on this forum sometimes.  I'll take note, too.

[alison]

Hmmm, just installed it.  A bit yellow for my tastes at the moment, but I suppose I can tinker with it.

 

But the brightness of the cursor arrow in contrast is a bit of a shock!

[alison]

It's a bit weird on my laptop as well, but at least I can adjust the screen angle on that, which helps.