A recent advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General highlights the pervasive use of social media among teenagers, with 95% of 13-17 year-olds reporting near-constant engagement. This excessive use has been linked to changes in brain structure, mirroring patterns seen in individuals with substance use or gambling disorders. A new app, aptly named “Touch Grass,” aims to combat this digital dependence by encouraging users to, quite literally, touch grass.
Developed by Rhys Kentish, a software engineer at Brightec, Touch Grass is designed to break the cycle of doom-scrolling. The app, available for pre-order on the App Store and launching on March 14th, allows users to identify their most addictive apps and restrict access to them until they venture outdoors and photograph themselves touching grass. This verification process utilizes computer vision technology, similar to that used in Google Lens and self-driving cars, to confirm the authenticity of the “grass-touching” experience.
How Touch Grass Works
The app’s functionality is simple yet innovative. Users select the apps they want to restrict, and when they try to access those apps, they’re prompted to go outside and touch some real grass. After taking a photo of the interaction, the app’s computer vision system analyzes the image to ensure genuine grass contact. Once verified, the restricted apps are unlocked.
Flexibility and Customization
While promoting outdoor engagement, Touch Grass also offers flexibility. Users receive a limited number of “skips” per month, allowing occasional access to restricted apps without the grass-touching ritual. Additionally, unlock durations can be customized to align with individual digital habits. The developer emphasizes that the app only recognizes “real grass,” adding a touch of humor to the experience.
Benefits Beyond Breaking Digital Addiction
Beyond curbing phone addiction, Touch Grass aims to foster healthier digital habits and promote a better balance between technology use and real-world experiences. The app also incorporates a charitable element: half of the proceeds from in-app skip purchases are allocated to rewilding projects in the UK.
Alternative Screen Time Management Tools
While awaiting Touch Grass’s release, users can leverage built-in screen time management features on their smartphones. iPhones offer a Screen Time dashboard with usage tracking, time limits, Downtime functionality, and parental controls. Android users can access similar tools through the Digital Wellbeing dashboard.
The Importance of Reduced Screen Time
Research published in PNAS NEXUS demonstrates the significant benefits of reducing daily screen time, surpassing even the effects of antidepressants in some cases. Decreased screen time has been linked to improved self-control, enhanced social connections, increased real-world engagement, and better sleep quality.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Digital Wellness
Touch Grass presents a novel approach to managing screen time and promoting a healthier relationship with technology. By incentivizing outdoor activity and offering flexible customization, the app empowers users to break free from digital distractions and reconnect with the physical world. While alternative screen time management tools are available, Touch Grass’s innovative approach and charitable component make it a compelling option for those seeking a more engaging and impactful way to cultivate healthier digital habits.
