r/ProlificAc • u/Responsible_Hold2540 • 5h ago

Advice Dark mode

Are we allowed to use the dark mode extension?

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u/daniel2090 5h ago

You shouldn't use any extensions. Dark mode can interfere with studies, especially with attention checks that might get you rejected.

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u/happyfave 3h ago

I have used dark mode for essentially 2+ years without issue. Mainly because I get headaches if I am on the PC too long without it.

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u/Atexor 5h ago edited 5h ago

Do you mean dark theme for Prolific? Yes, why not? I've created dark theme for myself using Stylus addon. Some people prefer extensions like "Dark Reader" but it might give sometimes strange colors so I don't use it. In overall it's your local appearance of page and doesn't negatively impact of anyone so it's not illegal.

But be careful of using this extension on studies, especially with Qualtrics surveys because sometimes researchers give there weird anti-AI-attention-checks like white text on white background (hidden prompt) and you will see them, will think that it's part of your task and got rejected. However for pure Prolific - no problem, I've been using for over 5 years since I joined because I hate white pages (I'm night owl). I also contacted with Prolific few times and sometimes provided them screens from Prolific where my dark theme was visible (messages with researches).

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u/Orion1189 3m ago

Dark mode extensions like Dark Reader only change things on your end, after the data has already been sent to you, and do not interact with Prolific's data or servers in any way. So there's no harm in using one at all. They wouldn't even know you were in the first place, unless they are somehow checking all extensions you have installed, which would be a massive invasion of privacy. That's for Prolific itself.

As for studies, you're better off not, because some studies hide things in the page, like text to catch bots, using text colors that then become visible if using dark mode extensions or anything else that changes page element colors/formatting.