The Rise of Doomscrolling and the Call to "Touch Grass"
In today’s digital age, doomscrolling has become a familiar habit for many. The constant stream of news, social media, and other online content can be overwhelming, leading to hours of mindless scrolling. If you’re one of the many who find themselves trapped in this cycle, you’ve likely come across the internet slang term "touch grass." This phrase, often used humorously, encourages people to disconnect from their screens and engage with the real world. But the joke carries a serious message: excessive screen time is a growing concern, and it’s time to take action.
According to a 2024 report, about half of all adults in the U.S. are exposed to "excessive" screen time, defined as seven or more hours per day. Shockingly, 30% of adults hit this threshold solely through recreational activities, not counting time spent on work-related tasks. This statistic highlights a clear issue: many of us are spending far too much time staring at screens, often at the expense of our mental and physical well-being. The call to "touch grass" is more than just a meme—it’s a reminder to balance our digital lives with real-world experiences.
Introducing the Touch Grass App: A Fun Solution to a Serious Problem
For those struggling to disconnect, there’s now an app that takes the "touch grass" concept literally. Aptly named Touch Grass, this viral app is designed to help users break free from the grip of excessive screen time. Here’s how it works: upon download, users select two apps they find particularly distracting or time-consuming. Once selected, these apps are blocked until the user completes a simple task—taking a photo of themselves outside, literally touching grass, and uploading it to the app. Only then are the apps unblocked, allowing users to resume their scrolling (if they choose to).
While app timers and screen time trackers are nothing new, Touch Grass takes a unique approach by combining humor and incentives. Instead of passively limiting screen time, the app forces users to engage with the physical world before they can return to their screens. This playful yet effective strategy has resonated with many, particularly those who find traditional productivity tools lacking in creativity.
The Creator’s Vision: Merging the Digital and Real Worlds
The idea for Touch Grass was born from personal experience. British app developer Rhys Kentish found himself mindlessly scrolling through his phone first thing in the morning, a habit he knew wasn’t healthy. Recognizing the need for change, he decided to create an app that would incentives him—and others—to spend more time outdoors. "I love apps that merge the digital world with the real world," Kentish explained in an interview with CNET. "I found the concept of touching grass funny, so I thought, why not create an app that forces me to do so?"
Kentish’s goal was two-fold: to make people laugh and to encourage them to disconnect from their devices. He acknowledges that the app’s premise is a bit silly, but he believes it serves a genuine purpose. By gamifying the process of disconnecting, Touch Grass makes the idea of taking a break from screens more approachable and enjoyable.
How the App Works: Features and Upgrades
Touch Grass is scheduled to launch in the App Store on March 14, 2024, and is available for pre-order now. The app is free to download, but users can upgrade to a Pro tier for $6 per month or $50 annually. The free version allows users to block two apps and regain access by uploading a photo of themselves touching grass. The Pro tier, however, offers additional features, including the ability to block an unlimited number of apps, more detailed screen time reports, and one free "skip" per month. For those who want to unlock their apps without heading outdoors, additional skips can be purchased—a convenient option for days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
The app’s simplicity is part of its charm. By focusing on a single, achievable task—taking a photo outside—Touch Grass avoids the complexity of other productivity tools. This straightforward approach makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from casual social media scrollers to those deeply entrenched in the world of doomscrolling.
A Lighthearted Push Toward Better Habits
While Touch Grass is undeniably playful, its creator hopes it will have a lasting impact on users. "I hope it first gives [users] a good laugh, but more importantly, I hope it offers them a chance to disconnect from the shackles of the digital world and connect with nature more," Kentish shared. By combining humor with a clear incentive, the app aims to help users develop healthier habits without feeling overwhelmed or guilt-tripped.
In a world where screens dominate so much of our time, Touch Grass offers a refreshing alternative. It’s not about completely eliminating screen time but about finding balance and reconnecting with the world around us. Whether you’re a chronic doomscroller or simply someone looking to spend more time outdoors, this app provides a fun and motivating way to take the first step.
Conclusion: Embracing the Digital detox Movement
The launch of Touch Grass comes at a time when the digital detox movement is gaining momentum. As more people recognize the importance of disconnecting from their devices, apps like Touch Grass are offering creative solutions to this modern problem. By merging the digital and real worlds, this app provides a lighthearted yet effective way to curb screen time and encourage outdoor activity.
For those ready to take the first step toward healthier screen habits, Touch Grass is an entertaining and accessible tool. Whether you’re looking to reduce your own screen time or help someone else do the same, this app is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge—and a patch of grass—to make a positive change.
