Tired Of Doomscrolling? This 'Touch Grass' App Forces You To Touch Grass, Literally

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Essentially, the app can block access to selected distracting apps until the user physically goes outside and takes a photo of themselves touching a patch of grass. Users will be able to choose which apps to block, with social media apps being a key target. 

This innovative approach comes in response to studies showing that teenagers are spending a significant portion of their day online, prompting developers to find creative solutions to encourage healthier digital habits.

The app's goal is to get users to spend time outdoors, reconnect with nature, and be more aware of their screen usage.

To do this, the app requires users to physically go outside and touch grass. It uses clever image recognition technology to check if they've actually done it before unlocking their chosen apps. Essentially, to make the app work, the developer uses special tools provided by phone operating systems that control how much time you spend on apps. He had to get special permission to use these tools. 

Importantly, he made sure that the app itself can't see all your private app usage information. It's kept in a locked-down area of your phone, so your privacy is protected.

While the app is currently set to be launched on the iPhone, the developer hasn't ruled out an Android version in the future. However, given that he's an iOS specialist and it took four months to build, it won't be happening immediately.

Future updates may include letting users choose what they need to touch, rather than just grass. The developer is also trying to make sure the app can't be tricked by things like fake grass or photos on screens, so don't bother installing that indoor lawn just yet!

Touch grass: reduce screentime is set to launch on the App Store on 14 March this year.