Touch Grass: Limit Screen Time - Get Outdoors!

The "Touch Grass" App: A Novel Approach to Screen Time Management

Many individuals find themselves dedicating excessive amounts of time to aimless scrolling through digital feeds. A common suggestion to counteract this is to "touch grass"—a playful way of encouraging a disconnection from technology and a return to the outdoors.

Introducing the Touch Grass iOS Application

Rhys Kentish, a developer, has transformed this concept into a functional iOS application aptly named "Touch Grass." This app uniquely restricts access to distracting applications until the user physically ventures outside and captures a photograph of grass.

Kentish explained to TechCrunch that his personal struggle with excessive screen time motivated the app’s creation. He estimated that without intervention, he would spend seven years of his life focused on his phone.

Combating Digital Addiction with Friction

The developer sought a solution offering greater resistance than existing screen time management tools. He aimed to incentivize leaving the house each morning and break the habit of immediately reaching for his phone.

Attempts to circumvent the system are unsuccessful. The app employs computer vision AI to differentiate between indoor plants and genuine outdoor grass.

Real-World Testing and Challenges

After the app rejected a photo of a Monstera plant, a search for suitable grass was initiated. While a bush was considered a close substitute, the "Touch Grass" app insisted on authentic grass.

Finding a patch of grass in an urban environment proved unexpectedly challenging. Surrounded by concrete and brick, the user had to cross the street to locate grass in front of a neighbor’s property before gaining access to TikTok.

The App's Core Philosophy

For Kentish, who balances app development with full-time employment at an agency, this deliberate friction is central to the app’s effectiveness.

He noted that initial reactions were humorous, but the app is now genuinely assisting some users in managing their screen time.

Safety and Customization Considerations

The app’s seriousness regarding outdoor activity is a key element of its appeal. However, Kentish has incorporated safety measures by preventing usage after dark.

The app requests location access (with a one-time permission option) to determine sunset times. Users can then customize settings to accommodate situations where going outside isn’t feasible.

Pricing and Charitable Contributions

The freemium version of the app allows users to lock two applications, unlockable only by "touching grass." A "pay what you want" feature is also available for unlocking apps.

50% of any payment made through this feature is donated to rewilding initiatives in the U.K., according to Kentish.

Subscribers can unlock unlimited app locking for $5.99 monthly or $49.99 annually.

From Financial Restrictions to Outdoor Incentives

The concept of paid unlocks predates the "touch grass" idea. Approximately a year and a half ago, Kentish developed an app for personal use that transferred funds from his checking to savings account each time he opened TikTok.

However, the "touch grass" concept is perceived as more approachable and amusing than directly linking a bank account.

Initial Success and Future Plans

Since its launch on Friday, the app has been downloaded approximately 50,000 times. Kentish is currently managing the app independently.

He remains open to potential investment, which could facilitate the development of an Android version and broader marketing efforts.