Are you tired of endlessly scrolling through your social media feeds, only to realize hours have passed? What if there was an app that helped you break free from the screen – and literally forced you to step outside? Enter “Touch Grass,” an iOS app designed to combat doomscrolling by making you take a break, step outside, and touch actual grass. Sounds funny, but it’s catching on, and users are finding it surprisingly effective in reclaiming their time.
The Power of Touching Grass
We’ve all heard the phrase “touch grass,” often used in jest to encourage someone to take a break from their screen and get some fresh air. However, for app developer Rhys Kentish, the idea went beyond just a phrase – he turned it into a digital solution to help people reduce their screen time. According to Kentish, after spending excessive hours on his phone, he realized that he could spend seven years of his life staring at a screen unless something changed.
This realization led him to create Touch Grass, an app that locks distracting apps like social media until you literally step outside and take a photo of grass. Yes, you read that right – no grass, no unlock.
How It Works
The app uses computer vision AI to verify the authenticity of your outdoor shot. No cheating by photographing house plants or potted greens, as the app’s technology can distinguish between them and actual outdoor grass. The app doesn’t make it easy either – you’ll need to hunt down a patch of grass before unlocking your screen.
For many city dwellers, this can turn into a bit of a challenge. A user might find themselves walking across streets, around buildings, or even down to the nearest park in search of the coveted patch of grass.
Why It’s More Than a Gimmick
Touch Grass isn’t just a quirky joke; it’s based on a serious principle. Studies have shown that excessive screen time, especially in the form of doomscrolling, can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and stress. For example, spending too much time mindlessly scrolling through social media often results in mental fatigue, and taking breaks outdoors can refresh both the mind and body.
Kentish’s app introduces “friction” – that added barrier – which may be exactly what users need to break the habit of mindlessly reaching for their phones. For many, this friction is just enough to encourage healthier behavior.
What’s in It for You?
- Free and Customizable: Touch Grass allows users to lock two apps for free. If you want more, there’s an option to pay for premium features that let you lock more apps for a subscription fee of $5.99 a month or $49.99 per year. It’s a small price to pay for potentially regaining hours of your life and even contributing to rewilding efforts, as part of the app’s proceeds are donated to environmental causes.
- No More Late-Night Scrolling: The app also takes safety into account, adjusting its features to avoid asking users to go outside after dark, making it a responsible choice for users everywhere.
The Future of Screen Time Management
With its mix of humor and utility, Touch Grass has quickly caught on, with over 50,000 downloads within just days of its launch. The app not only encourages healthy habits but also adds a touch of fun to the process of weaning off excessive screen time. Whether you find it a bit absurd or truly helpful, it’s clear that in a world where digital detox is more important than ever, Touch Grass offers a unique solution.
So, the next time you catch yourself scrolling for hours, remember: just touch some grass – literally.
