Key facts
- Several apps are designed to help users reduce doomscrolling and increase physical activity.
- Apps like Digital Carrot, StepBloc, Steppin, WalkLock, and Walkly link app access to achieving step goals or completing workouts.
- TouchGrass uniquely requires users to go outside and photograph grass to unlock distracting applications.
- MeBeMe focuses on habit cultivation with missions that can include physical activity.
- WeWard incentivizes walking with an in-app currency and now offers a mode to restrict app access based on step counts.
Doomscrolling, the act of consuming large quantities of negative online news, can lead to physical discomfort and negative self-perception. To combat this, a variety of mobile applications have emerged that encourage users to disengage from their screens and become more active.
Digital Carrot is designed to block distracting applications and websites until users achieve personalized daily goals for fitness, productivity, or screen time. It integrates with wearables like the Apple Watch and supports location-based challenges, such as spending a set amount of time at the gym. The app is available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
MeBeMe focuses on habit formation by sending users notifications for various missions, which can include physical activities. While not exclusively for fitness, its 'Body' category offers challenges for athletes and dancers. This app is currently free on iOS.
StepBloc allows users to lock access to social media, streaming services, or games until they complete a specified number of steps or perform certain exercises like push-ups or planks. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to incorporate short bursts of activity into their day. StepBloc is free on iOS, with a subscription for unlimited access.
Steppin, founded by the creator of Kayak, operates on a principle of trading physical movement for screen time, where users earn minutes of scrolling for every 100 steps taken. Users can customize their step goals for accessing various digital platforms. It is available on iOS.
TouchGrass offers a unique approach by requiring users to go outside and take a photo of grass to unlock distracting apps. The app uses computer vision to verify the image. A freemium version allows locking two apps, with paid options for more. It is available on iOS.
WalkLock, an iOS application, syncs with Apple Health to restrict access to designated apps until daily step goals are met. It utilizes iPhone or Apple Watch data and includes a lockscreen widget for progress monitoring.
Walkly, an Android counterpart to WalkLock, similarly locks selected apps until users achieve their walking targets, continuously monitoring activity. Walkly is available on the Google Play Store.
WeWard, initially launched to reward walking with an in-app currency exchangeable for cash or gift cards, has introduced a 'Walking Mode.' This mode restricts app access until users meet customizable step counts, offering another way to balance screen time with physical activity. WeWard is available on both iOS and Android.