I love to mindlessly scroll social media. Then I tried an app that made me take steps to get screen time.
In a digital world where people track everything from calories to workouts and even minutes spent asleep, there are very few metrics that I myself actually pay attention to. I wear an Apple Watch to see how many steps I'm getting, though I seldom check the results. And when my iPhone tells me how much time I'm spending online, I usually swipe away the alert and continue happily watching makeup reels or seeing what Joe Jonas is up to on Instagram. But then Steppin encouraged me to pay attention.
The app, which launched this January, is something that I stumbled upon during research for another story — one about young people trading in modern technologies for more analog versions to limit screen time. Opting for a 'dumb' flip phone felt a bit drastic for me, but the concept around Steppin was something I felt I could get behind. In order to scroll, you need to stroll.
Every 100 steps (tracked on your iPhone or preferred fitness tracker) grants users a minute of screen time on the apps they've chosen to limit. If you find that you just really, really need to see what your old coworkers are up to on LinkedIn, post a TikTok or check how many likes your latest Instagram post got — well, you'd better get moving.
I'm an active person who starts most days with a workout, which made me confident that having enough steps to access limited apps wouldn't be a problem. But would it actually make me more mindful of my screen time? Here's what I found out.
Steppin is the brainchild of Paul English, CEO of Boston Venture Studio and the co-founder of travel website Kayak. He tells me the idea of the iOS app was sparked while he was on a vacation in Madrid with his fiancée and his son. During a long drive, the group realized they were all staring at their phone screens instead of admiring the views.
'We weren't talking, we were all just on Instagram or TikTok,' English says. 'I made a remark like, 'Guys, this is crazy. We're on vacation in this beautiful country. What are we doing on our phones?''
It's a question many people have no doubt asked themselves after whiling away a beautiful day/dinner with friends/movie night on their phones. But instead of demanding that everyone put their devices away, English's family created a gamified solution — one with a built-in motivation to up your step count. If you can't stay offline, you're at the very least getting some exercise, and having a higher step count comes with a host of health benefits.
'Someone came up with the idea by saying, 'Since we didn't walk today, we shouldn't get to use our social media. Why don't we make it so you have to walk to get access?' And I said, 'That's a genius idea, let's do it,'' English recalls.
Steppin — which allows users to customize how many steps they need to hit to get a minute of screen time — is part of a new breed of apps designed to cut back on smartphone usage. At first, Jess Rauchberg, assistant professor of communication technologies at Seton Hall University, explains to me, these types of features were aimed at parents who wanted to control what their kids accessed online and for how long. Now, it's people of all ages who are looking to cut back. (A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll of 1,560 U.S. adults found that among the 96% of respondents who own a smartphone, 46% said they spent 'too much' time on the devices.)
'As technologies become more effectively designed to get us to use them more and more, companies are profiting off of our constant scrolling and it's created a new layer of moral panic,' Rauchberg says, pointing to concerns about the addictive nature and mental health impacts of social media. Apple's Screen Time feature tracks how many hours a day a user spends on their phone, while apps like Freedom, OffScreen and ScreenZen curb the use of time-sucking apps and websites by using time blocks and reminders to be mindful of scrolling.
But English says Steppin is unique in incorporating physical activity (for the record, Fitlock, which claims to be 'the world's first fitness-based app blocker,' was released on iOS in November 2023). He believes it to be the answer for people increasingly worried about being addicted to social media and their smartphones.
'We've started to see a moral value assigned to technology, that if you're so reliant on these tools, it's bad and it's not healthy,' says Rauchberg. Movement, on the other hand, is healthy, so the idea is to replace a poor habit with a good one.
'Rather than just having a time restriction on certain apps, ours makes you do something healthy,' English adds. 'You have to get up, get outside and take a walk around the block to earn screen time. We think of it as a wellness app that helps with both mental and physical health.'
I downloaded Steppin to find out and got a prompt to choose my 'most distracting apps' that would be restricted. Mine were TikTok, Instagram and Facebook initially, followed by a quick amendment to add Snapchat. Then I was able to set the rules for my restriction, including how many steps would earn me a minute of screen time and how often that available time tracker would reset.
Allowing Steppin to access my Apple Health data was the next step, since the app would rely on my step count to function. Immediately, this felt more productive and rewarding than the simple time limits that my boyfriend places on his social media apps. With those, nothing is earned; you're simply locked out from checking Instagram, etc., during a set time block.
The pang of anxiety I felt when my favorite social media apps went gray — meaning I couldn't click on them — suggested I needed some type of intervention. But I was surprised to find that the days that followed have gone pretty smoothly.
My earned time resets at midnight, which means I wake up to 0 minutes earned and can't start my day scrolling. It gives me more time to focus on what's ahead and approach my day more mindfully. It also spares me from the quick dopamine hits that otherwise keep me reaching for my phone throughout the rest of the day. I quickly grew comfortable with the idea that checking Instagram or TikTok is something I can reserve for a quieter moment toward the end of the day (after I've gotten my steps in and earned enough credit, of course).
Where I'm not sure it translates is the incentive to move more. Again, I'm generally active, and I enjoy going on walks, especially when it's springtime in New York City. Over one week, I averaged 6,934 steps a day, which means I earned over an hour to spend on certain apps, and I was able to accomplish that without putting too much thought into it. It helps that I wear an Apple Watch, which is tracking the steps I take around my apartment or at the office, which add up. But even on a lazier day, I don't think I'd be hitting the treadmill in order to get time to scroll, especially when I can find other ways to spend my time.
On Tuesday evening after work, for example, I pulled out a paint-by-numbers project that I hadn't worked on in months. On Wednesday, I came home from the office to make dinner and banana bread from scratch. Yes, these activities felt better (and are better) for me than scrolling Instagram or TikTok. However, they weren't movement-based.
My consumption of social media has definitely been impacted by the use of this app. The day before I downloaded Steppin, I was on Instagram (my most-used app) for two hours and 11 minutes. Once I started using Steppin, I spent less than 30 minutes a day on the social media platform. I'll admit sneaking a few peeks at Instagram on my work laptop, which Steppin doesn't have access to, but that still only amounted to a few minutes per day.
I can't say that I'm using my smartphone less, however. The time that I would have spent on TikTok, I ended up using to stream YouTube TV to watch the latest episode of Summer House while cooking. And when I'm in the mood for a scroll, I've found myself looking through endless clothing rental options on Rent the Runway.
'There's always a replacement for an app that you just deleted or restricted,' Ari Lightman, professor of digital media and marketing at Carnegie Mellon University, tells me. Even English says that he downloaded the Kindle app so he can read in his downtime instead of checking X or LinkedIn. Either way, he's using his phone.
'My concern here is that we still depend on the app to tell us that we're being healthier. ... So the phone is still at the center of this,' Rauchberg points out.
Come to think of it, I've probably spent a good portion of my screen time checking my usage or looking at my personal analytics on Steppin to see if I'm making positive changes, which might be a bit counterintuitive. 'We're so obsessed with data and metrics that we're not escaping the problem,' says Rauchberg. But, she concedes, 'These apps are a start and there's a lot of good that could come out of it.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
Grieving parents awarded $2.25M after Georgia doctor plastered videos of their decapitated baby on social media
A Georgia couple whose baby was decapacitated during childbirth was awarded a $2.25 million verdict after their pathologist posted graphic autopsy videos on social media without their consent. Dr. Jackson Gates and his Atlanta-based business will have to fork over the large sum to Jessica Ross and Traveon Taylor Sr. after a Fulton County jury found him liable of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and fraud on Wednesday. 'This young couple trusted him with the remains of their precious baby,' attorney's for the grieving parents said, noting that the doctor 'poured salt into the couple's already deep wounds.' 3 Jessica Ross and Treveon Taylor Sr., parents of a baby who was decapitated during childbirth. AP 'Gates, in turn, repaid this trust by posting horrific images of their child for the world to see.' The heartbroken couple hired the twisted doctor to perform an autopsy on their deceased newborn two days after their obstetrician allegedly applied excessive force to the baby's neck when its shoulders became stuck in Ross's pelvic area, causing it to detach during the traumatic July 2023 delivery. 3 The traumatic delivery occurred at Southern Regional Medical Center in July 2023. ERIK S LESSER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The baby's head was delivered vaginally, but the rest of the body was removed via C-section. The death was later ruled a homicide. Gates posted numerous videos and photos to his Instagram later that month, showing the grisly postmortem examination of their infants 'decapitated, severed head,' the couple said in their lawsuit. The deranged pathologist initially removed the footage after receiving a letter from the couple's attorney — but later reposted them, according to the lawsuit. 3 The couple was awarded $2.25 million in a lawsuit against their pathologist. AP Gates' attorney, Ira Livant, said his client typically documents his autopsy's on social media to educate fellow pathologists and highlight the importance of independent examinations in cases where families suspect medical misconduct. 'Dr. Gates testified that he is deeply sorry for any harm that he unintentionally caused the plaintiffs,' Livant said Saturday. 'Had he known for one second that they would see that and that they would know it was their child, he would never have done it.' The couple will receive $2 million in compensatory damages and an additional $250,000 in punitive damages from Gates and his company, Medical Diagnostics Choices, per the judgement. The bereaved parents have separate lawsuits pending against the delivering doctor and the Riverdale hospital where the horrific incident took place. With Post wires.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bride-to-Be Goes Viral for Warning That Getting Married Past 28 Changes Bachelorette Party ‘Vibes' (Exclusive)
After taking part in three of her friends' bachelorette parties, Miriah Hadley had been eagerly awaiting her own However, in a recent TikTok video, the 29-year-old warned that getting married after 28 can seriously affect the 'vibe' of a bachelorette party Now, Hadley is making sure her celebration is something all of her friends can enjoy - no matter what phase in life they are inWhen it comes to weddings, timing can be everything – at least according to one woman who believes getting married past a certain age comes with unexpected downsides. Miriah Hadley, a 29-year-old from Dallas, Texas, is currently in the process of planning her own wedding, and took to TikTok to reflect on how much 'fun' her friends' bachelorette parties were a few years earlier. Back then, everyone was on the same page: no babies, no dietary restrictions, no 10 p.m. curfews. But now, with some friends pregnant, others already mothers, and a few living alcohol-free, Hadley is realizing that her own celebration will have to strike a different tone. 'I originally envisioned my bachelorette party in the wine country of Texas – something light and fun, where we'd hop between wineries, enjoy good wine, laugh a lot, and just celebrate together,' Hadley tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'It felt like the perfect mix of relaxation and celebration.' Since getting engaged in February 2025, the soon-to-be-bride is planning on having her bachelorette party in October, followed by her wedding on New Years Eve. Used to lively activities such as boat rides, loud music, nonstop dancing and drinks at previous bachelorette parties she's attended, Hadley was eagerly looking forward to her own girls' celebration. However, since most of her friends tied the knot between ages 25 and 28, her bachelorette will most likely look very different. 'One of the more challenging aspects of getting married past 28 – especially being from the South, where many of my peers are already married, settled down, and starting families – is feeling a bit out of sync with your social circle,' she explains. Most of Hadley's close friends have been married for a few years and are either starting to plan for a family or already have children, making late-night outings, casual drinks, or even regular meetups increasingly difficult to coordinate. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'As things started coming together, I realized that about five out of my eight bridesmaids may not be able to drink either due to the fact that they will be pregnant or other personal reasons. And I'll be honest—it gave me a bit of a 'what's the point?' moment,' she admits. 'Not because I think alcohol is necessary for a good time, but because the original vision just doesn't align anymore.' Nevertheless, Hadley has chosen to take a positive approach to the situation. She's come to realize that the true purpose of a bachelorette party isn't about the event itself, but about being surrounded by friends who love and respect her. 'I'm grateful that I have amazing, lifelong friends that I know will show up and support me regardless,' she shares. 'I'm now shifting my mindset to focus on how we can still have a great experience that fits everyone. At the end of the day, it's about creating memories and celebrating love, not sticking to a script.' What she is most excited about is the energy – simply spending time with her friends, letting loose, dancing, and creating those "remember when" moments they'll laugh about for years to come. Hadley intends to keep the bachelorette party fun and inclusive by planning a mix of shared experiences like a private chef dinner, a playful lingerie party, and a relaxing spa day. She's also considering sticking with the original wine tour by choosing wineries that offer mocktails and non-alcoholic options so no one feels left out. 'It's not about comparison or regret, but it does require a shift in how you manage friendships and find community,' Hadley tells PEOPLE. 'At the same time, I've learned to really value this season for what it offers – new beginnings, clarity, and learning how to support friends in different phases of life.' Read the original article on People
New York Post
4 hours ago
- New York Post
I spent $200 on the viral ‘Japanese head spa' treatment for hair health — but does it actually work?
Social media is a powerful thing. Especially when you're someone who is inclined to buy something, go somewhere, try something, taste something, wear something, JUST because people online said it's good. Hi, it's me. I'm that person. And for months and months I've been ignoring the videos of people trying out those viral Japanese head spa treatments spammed in my feed on TikTok and Instagram. But then I caved. Toyko Headspa — the Japanese treatment that has content creators frothing I noticed a newish salon was offering the viral treatment that so many people have been raving about online, so of course I had to give it a try. Tokyo Headspa offered at Salon Lane in Sydney, Australia boasts an impressive menu for anyone who just wants to bliss out. Each treatment offers different solutions to boost hair and scalp health, reduce stress and 'leave you feeling like you're floating in a dream…' They're not my words, that's what it promises on the website. But think… the super relaxing head massage you get before your haircut at your local hairdresser, but add another WHOLE HOUR to it. It's that — no matter what treatment you get. I schlepped my tired self and neglected mane to the Bondi Junction salon and opted for the Sakuya Hime treatment. The whole treatment goes for one hour and 40 minutes and is said to encourage hair regrowth — and after two kids and a decent amount of postpartum hair loss, I figured I'd lean in to some benefits as well as much-needed relaxation. Japanese head spa treatments have gone viral for supposedly helping hair and scalp health. X/@ I'll forewarn you… the treatment is $194. I know… Once you settle in to your quiet room, the treatment begins with your therapist selecting which scalp serum and shampoo is best for you. Mine chose something moisturizing and off we went. The experience begins with a relaxing head massage using the selected serum, and it's followed up with a shampoo and detoxifying massage to help cleanse and invigorate the scalp. Prepare for the Japanese Waterfall! Another treatment is applied, followed by some hair and scalp brushing before you're then prepared for the warm and nourishing head bath. This is where the viral Japanese waterfall is applied. If you get the targeted content on social media too, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about! When the waterfall was applied, I thought I had gone to heaven. The warm water gently rinses your hair while encouraging a calm relaxation. It worked. I think I fell asleep. The treatment involves a relaxing 'Japanese waterfall' over the client's head. X/@ The treatment ends with another head, shoulder and neck massage and then your hair is dried off to prepare you to continue on with your day with complete zen. I was warned multiple times that the treatment does NOT include any styling, so I got a sense that this is something they really needed their clients to understand. And I did… until I caught a glimpse of my extremely curly and frizzy hair in a mirror while walking back to the lift post treatment. It wasn't pretty. So does this viral beauty treatment live up to the hype? Now, here's where I get really honest… If you're thinking '$194 for a glorified hair wash, YOU'RE CRAZY!' I hear you loud and clear! This is an experience that is completely indulgent, and if you have a mortgage like me, the price tag stings. But there's no doubt this is a treatment that any tired mum would enjoy. It would make a perfect gift for someone who needs some 'me time' and there are other treatments you can choose that are a little more justifiable.
