Amnesia

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Amnesia is a macOS menu bar utility and digital distraction blocker designed to combat "context loss" on the operating system level. It functions as an intent-based gatekeeper for attention-sapping applications.
2. Core Value Proposition: Amnesia solves the core problem of forgetful app use and digital distraction by forcing a moment of mindfulness before accessing tracked apps. Its primary value is providing users with a quantifiable, private report of their digital time management and focus habits.

Main Features

1. Intent Prompt Gate: Upon launching a tracked application (e.g., X, YouTube, Reddit, Gmail, Slack), Amnesia intercepts the focus event and presents a modal prompt asking "Why are you here?" Users can select a preset intent (e.g., "Check replies") or type a custom one in seconds. This technical implementation uses macOS accessibility APIs to monitor application activation events.
2. Floating Intent & Timer: Once an intent is declared, a persistent, lightweight floating HUD remains on-screen over the distracting app. This displays the user's self-stated goal and a countdown timer, creating a visual "hold" on their objective and preventing the app's default feed from silently hijacking their attention.
3. Private Session Reporting: At session end (when the user quits the app or manually reports), Amnesia records coarse metadata: the tracked app used, the declared intent, session duration, and whether the intent was fulfilled. All data is stored locally as plain JSON with no cloud sync or account system. The generated daily report aggregates this data into metrics like "Time Lost" and "Forgotten Intents."

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Addresses the "11-minute loop" or attentional hijacking common with feed-based applications. It combats the loss of working memory that occurs immediately after opening a distraction, where the original, purposeful intent is forgotten.
2. Target Audience: Designed for knowledge workers, remote employees, students, and indie hackers—anyone whose workflow requires focus but who frequently loses time to digital rabbit holes and application switching. It is ideal for users who employ digital minimalism or intentional technology practices.
3. Use Cases: Essential for professionals who need to quickly check a work Slack message but risk getting lost in channels; for individuals opening YouTube to find a specific tutorial but ending up in autoplay; or for anyone opening a social media app for a targeted task like "Reply to a DM" and losing 20 minutes to the feed.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike website blockers or strict application blacklists, Amnesia does not prevent access. It operates on the principle of "friction over force," creating a brief, mindful pause. This makes it more flexible than traditional productivity software and aligns with behavioral design techniques. Its local-first architecture also provides a stark contrast to cloud-dependent trackers that raise privacy concerns.
2. Key Innovation: The core innovation is the intent-confirmation loop (prompt → float → check-in) combined with its zero-cloud, private-by-design data model. This creates a private behavioral analytics tool for self-awareness rather than a punitive system. The technology ensures all processing happens on-device, making it safe to screenshot and share without leaking personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What specific macOS applications can Amnesia track? Amnesia can track any application you designate. It ships with presets for common time sinks like X (Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Gmail, Slack, and GitHub. Users can add their own websites (opened in any browser) or native macOS apps to the tracked list via its simple interface.
2. How does Amnesia protect my privacy and data security? Amnesia is built on a strict local-first principle. It creates no user accounts, sends no data to any cloud server, and only records non-sensitive metadata (app name, intent text, session time). All data is stored as plain JSON files on your Mac that you own and can delete anytime. It never reads message content, page contents, or search history.
3. Is this a subscription or a one-time purchase? Amnesia is a one-time purchase of $19. This grants lifetime access to the early access build and all future beta updates delivered via the app's built-in updater. There are no recurring fees, seats, or monthly costs.
4. What happens if I ignore the intent prompt when I open a distracting app? The product is designed around a gentle gate. If you dismiss or ignore the prompt, you can proceed into the app as normal, but Amnesia will log the session as an "open" without a declared intent, contributing to your daily metrics. The goal is awareness, not outright blocking.
5. How is Amnesia different from website blockers like Freedom or browser extensions? Website blockers prevent access to distracting sites entirely, which can be too restrictive for tasks that require occasional, intentional use. Amnesia is a behavioral tool that works at the application level, adding a layer of mindfulness before you engage, rather than imposing a strict block. It also operates system-wide for any app, not just browsers.