Touch Grass

In a world increasingly dominated by the glow of our screens, the aptly named "Touch Grass" app offers a refreshing, and surprisingly effective, solution to reclaim our lost hours. This iPhone app doesn't just preach about screen time reduction; it actively enforces it, with a healthy dose of nature thrown in.

The setup is straightforward. After a quick onboarding process where you're confronted with the often-shocking reality of your daily screen time, you select the apps that are your biggest time-sinks. This is where Touch Grass's unique approach shines. Instead of simply blocking these apps, it introduces a physical barrier: you must literally touch grass.
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Yes, that’s right. To unlock those chosen apps, you need to step outside and take a photo of your hand making contact with the green stuff. The app's computer vision technology ensures you're not cheating, adding a playful yet effective layer of accountability.

Once you've completed the "touch grass" requirement, you can customize the unlock duration, choosing from options like 15 minutes, 60 minutes, or until midday. This flexibility allows users to tailor the app to their individual needs and schedules.

The free version provides a solid taste of the app's functionality, allowing you to block two apps. However, for those seeking a more comprehensive digital detox, the premium subscription ($5.99/month or $49.99/year with a 7-day free trial) unlocks unlimited app blocking and detailed historical data, providing insights into your progress.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature is the "skip" option. While you receive one free skip per month, additional skips come at a cost, ranging from $0.99 to $9.99. But there's a feel-good twist: 50% of the revenue generated from these skips goes towards charities dedicated to planting trees. This adds a layer of purpose to the app, turning a potential indulgence into a contribution to environmental sustainability.

​So, reconnect with the natural world with Touch Grass.

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Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/touch-grass-reduce-screentime/id6739589530

This image is used under the Fair Use provision for the purpose of review and commentary.