Final answer:
If the 'Roboto' font is not available, the browser will display the text using a generic sans-serif font, which maintains the intended modern style of the design, even though specific font characteristics may differ.
Step-by-step explanation:
When specifying a font-family in CSS, such as 'Roboto, sans-serif;', the list is telling the browser in what order to apply fonts. If the designated first-choice font, Roboto, is not available, the browser will fall back to the next font in the list. In this case, that would be a generic sans-serif typeface that the user's browser can access.
Typography plays a vital role in shaping the character and readability of text, often conveying a subtext of branding or style. For instance, sans-serif typefaces are often viewed as more modern, while serif typefaces are considered more classical, which relates to the presence or absence of 'serifs' – small tails on the ends of letter strokes. Hence, the probability that the next available sans-serif font will provide a modern appearance to the text still holds true.A font family declaration acts as a typeface hierarchy, ensuring that there is always a font available for the text to be displayed in, even if the primary choice is not accessible. If none of the specified fonts are available, the browser will use a default typeface, which may not match the intended design or tone of the content. Professionals in the field of web design mitigate this risk by carefully curating their font stacks and considering the availability of fonts across different platforms and devices.