Pet a dog to use social media — by Roots

Product Introduction

1. Roots is a screen time management app that requires users to physically interact with their dog via the device camera before accessing social media platforms. This feature uses behavioral science principles to create intentional friction between users and their devices, redirecting attention from digital consumption to real-world engagement. The product integrates app-blocking technology with emotional design to transform habitual scrolling into meaningful offline moments. It operates on iOS devices, leveraging Apple’s Screen Time API for secure, on-device data processing.
2. The core value lies in replacing mindless phone usage with positive, real-world actions that enhance emotional well-being. By mandating a tactile interaction with a pet, Roots shifts focus from passive screen time to active joy, aligning with proven behavioral change methodologies. The app aims to reduce average daily screen time by 2+ hours while fostering healthier relationships with technology.

Main Features

1. Pet-to-Unlock Mechanism: Users must pet their dog while the app scans via the device camera to unlock social media access, ensuring a deliberate pause before scrolling. This feature uses motion detection and AI-based animal recognition to verify the interaction, preventing bypass attempts.
2. Behavioral Science-Driven Challenges: Customizable challenges (e.g., "Monk Mode" for deep focus) integrate timed app blocks and downtime schedules, enforcing structured breaks. These are backed by streaks and progress tracking to reinforce habit formation.
3. Balance Score Analytics: A proprietary metric quantifies phone usage patterns by analyzing taps, scrolls, and app sessions, providing actionable insights. The score updates in real time, correlating screen time reduction with increased offline activity hours.

Problems Solved

1. Mindless Scrolling: Addresses compulsive social media use by inserting a mandatory real-world action (pet interaction) that disrupts autopilot browsing.
2. Target Users: Individuals seeking to reduce screen time (averaging 4+ hours daily) while improving emotional health through intentional device usage.
3. Use Cases: Prevents late-night doomscrolling by locking apps after 9 PM unless the user engages with their pet, or enforces work focus by blocking distractions during set hours.

Unique Advantages

1. Emotional Design Integration: Unlike generic screen time apps, Roots ties app access to emotionally rewarding actions (e.g., petting a dog), leveraging positive reinforcement over punitive measures.
2. iOS Screen Time API Optimization: Ensures data privacy by processing usage metrics locally, unlike competitors that aggregate user data externally.
3. Risk-Free Guarantee: Offers a 7-day free trial and 30-day post-purchase refund window, aligning pricing with user success rates—a rarity in productivity apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How is Roots different from other screen time apps? Roots combines app blocking with emotional design, requiring physical pet interaction to unlock apps, unlike basic limit-setting tools. It also provides a Balance Score for granular habit analysis and guarantees refunds if users don’t achieve results.
2. How does Roots compare to Apple Screen Time? Roots adds intentional friction (e.g., pet-to-unlock) and flexible challenges like Monk Mode, whereas Apple Screen Time only offers basic usage reports and rigid app limits.
3. Is my data safe with Roots? Yes—Roots uses Apple’s on-device Screen Time API, meaning usage data never leaves your phone or is accessible to third parties.
4. What scientific principles support Roots? The app applies behavioral science tactics like friction design and positive reinforcement, proven to reduce screen time by 22% in clinical studies.
5. Can Roots block non-social media apps? Yes—users can customize app blocklists for work, fitness, or sleep goals, with optional pet interactions or timed unlocks.