Post #1836885

2026-04-27 09:30 UTC

CSS tip: make sure that selected text remains readable. Style `::selection` to at least disable text effects like drop shadows, gradient fills, etc. A decent chunk of your users treat text selection as a reading aid, highlighting words or paragraphs to keep track of their position in the text.

Replies (3)

@fvsch@hachyderm.io 2026-04-27 09:31

I remember an article claiming that maybe ~15% of users used text selection as a reading aid in some tests (on desktop computers, might be lower on mobile). Can’t find a source right now, and would be happy for any link if someone knows. I know that I do this, and have heard anecdotal evidence from others that they do it as well. I have ADHD and can easily lose track of what I’m reading, I can end up re-reading the same paragraph a few times, etc. I also wonder if some people with dyslexia use text selection/highlighting as a digital equivalent of physical tools (reading rulers and color overlays).

Open ##1926496
@paulrosen@hachyderm.io 2026-04-27 19:59

@fvsch I highlight the whole page to get rid of "dark mode".

Open ##1926504
@anon@social.hostingbuddy.org 2026-04-28 15:13

@fvsch awesome! didn't know about the ::selection pseudo class. thanks for sharing

Open ##1926520