Frustrated with excessive phone use, the creator developed "Touch Grass," an Android app designed to encourage breaks from screen time. The app uses GPS to confirm the user is physically outside and then starts a timer. Only after spending a user-defined amount of time outdoors will the app grant access to blocked apps, effectively locking the user out until they've "touched grass." This gamified approach aims to promote healthier digital habits and reconnect users with the real world.
The creator of a novel mobile application, driven by a personal desire to curtail excessive and often unproductive engagement with social media—a phenomenon colloquially referred to as "doomscrolling"—has developed a software solution designed to encourage interaction with the natural world. This application, aptly named "Touch Grass," leverages the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology embedded within smartphones to ascertain the user's physical location. Upon launching the application, the user is presented with a challenge: to physically relocate themselves to a designated outdoor area, specifically one characterized by the presence of vegetation, such as a park, garden, or field.
The application then initiates a timer for a predetermined duration, requiring the user to remain within this verdant environment for the allotted time. Should the user prematurely depart the geofenced area before the timer elapses, the application registers this as a failure, thereby discouraging the user from prematurely abandoning their communion with nature. Conversely, successful completion of the timed outdoor session is acknowledged by the application, reinforcing the desired behavior. The application developer posits that this enforced period of outdoor exposure serves as a beneficial interruption to the potentially addictive cycle of digital information consumption, promoting mental well-being by encouraging a temporary disconnect from the often-overwhelming digital realm and fostering a renewed appreciation for the tangible world. The application's name, "Touch Grass," serves as a playful yet pointed reminder of the benefits of engaging with the natural environment, acting as a gentle nudge toward healthier digital habits.
Summary of Comments ( 143 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43158660
Hacker News commenters generally found the "touch grass" app amusing, but impractical. Several questioned the effectiveness of physically touching grass through a phone screen, noting the inherent irony and missing the point of the idiom. Some suggested improvements like requiring a photo of actual grass or GPS verification of being outdoors. Others highlighted the performative nature of the app, comparing it to other avoidance techniques. A few commenters appreciated the humor and simple execution, viewing it as a lighthearted take on the problem of doomscrolling. Some pointed out the potential for addictive gamification of "touching grass" itself. Overall, the consensus leaned towards the app being a fun, albeit slightly absurd, commentary on internet overuse rather than a serious solution.
The Hacker News post "I built an app to stop me doomscrolling by touching grass" generated a fair number of comments, mostly focusing on the irony and impracticality of using technology to encourage less technology use. Several commenters found the project humorous and appreciated the self-aware absurdity.
One of the most compelling comments highlighted the inherent contradiction: "The irony of using technology to remind you to not use technology is palpable." This sentiment was echoed by others who questioned the need for an app when a simple reminder or self-discipline could suffice.
Several users debated the effectiveness of such an app. Some argued that for certain individuals, the gamified nature and external motivation provided by an app could be beneficial. However, others countered that the reliance on yet another app could exacerbate the underlying issue of tech dependence.
A few commenters delved into the technical aspects of the app, inquiring about its functionality and suggesting alternative implementations. One user suggested using a simple timer or existing features on a smartphone.
The discussion also touched upon the broader theme of "touching grass" as a meme and its implications for mental well-being. Some commenters shared their personal experiences with digital detox and the benefits of spending time in nature.
While some appreciated the creator's ingenuity, a recurring theme was the perceived over-engineered solution to a simple problem. The general consensus seemed to be that while the app might be a fun project, its practical utility was questionable. Some suggested simpler alternatives like setting time limits on apps or simply being more mindful of their technology usage.