Why are screen savers a thing?

It is a question you may have never asked yourself, thinking that their purpose was simply to mesmerize you and hide the actual computer screen. But the reason behind the very existence of screen savers is both surprising and contained within their name.

In the past, computer screens were susceptible to screen burn. This was especially the case when a fixed image was displayed for a long period of time.

To prevent images from getting burnt on the screen, damaging it, the display would go blank after a short period of time when unused, and would start showing a moving image.

A moving Windows logo or any other famous screen saver to date is not there for people, but to prolong the life of the screen.

And even though today’s screens are no longer susceptible to this kind of damage, screen savers continue to be widely used, mainly for decorative and entertainment purposes, but also for protection.