Steppin: Lock Social Media & Get Walking - Kayak Founder's New App

A Novel Approach to Digital Wellbeing: Introducing Steppin

Numerous applications currently exist within app stores, each aiming to assist users in reducing screen time and tracking physical activity. A recently launched iOS application, named Steppin, uniquely integrates these functionalities. It endeavors to simultaneously improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

How Steppin Functions

Steppin operates by restricting access to social media applications until a predetermined number of steps are completed daily. Users unlock screen time on frequently used platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, by achieving their daily step objectives.

The application’s creation is credited to Paul English, the founder of the travel search engine Kayak, which was later acquired by Priceline for $1.8 billion. English shared with TechCrunch that the concept originated during a vacation in Spain, alongside his son, Michael English, and his fiancé, Rachel Cohen.

Despite being surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the trio found themselves habitually using their smartphones and browsing social media. Recognizing the availability of apps designed to limit social media usage, they conceived of linking such restrictions to daily step counts. This approach, they believed, would encourage improvements in both physical fitness and mental health.

Customization and Flexibility

The app allows users to define the number of steps required to earn a specific duration of screen time. This setting can be adjusted to be either strict or lenient. For example, a user might set a requirement of 100 steps per minute of TikTok access.

Should immediate access to a particular application be necessary, Steppin provides an override function to bypass its controls.

Beyond social media, Steppin can also be utilized to limit time spent on other potentially distracting applications, such as Netflix or various mobile games.

Broad Appeal and Future Development

Although initially targeted towards Gen Z, Paul English emphasizes the app’s potential benefits for individuals of all ages. He notes that he personally uses Steppin to manage his own social media consumption.

“The application is universally relevant,” Paul stated. “Feedback from friends and family indicates that many parents desire this for their teenagers, while adults also acknowledge their own excessive phone usage and lack of outdoor activity.”

Pricing and Availability

Currently, Steppin is available for free. However, the company intends to introduce an annual subscription model in the future, projected to cost approximately $20.

Future updates will expand beyond step tracking to include the logging of other physical activities, such as yoga classes, to earn social media access time.

Social Features and Parental Controls

Planned features include a leaderboard to compare social media usage among friends. The app will also track consecutive days of successful usage.

This functionality is particularly aimed at parents, allowing them to monitor their children’s adherence to the app’s rules and identify any instances of bypassing the restrictions.

Steppin is now available for download on iOS, with an Android version scheduled for release in the coming weeks.