Stop doomscrolling without blocking everything.
The goal is not always to delete the app. Sometimes you need the messages, the community, or one specific video. The useful intervention is the one that makes autopilot inconvenient without making intentional use impossible.
Practical answer: add adjustable scroll resistance to the feed that traps you. It creates a pause between “I opened this for a reason” and “the next thing appeared,” while the app remains available.
The three-step version
- Pick the feed that reliably steals time.
Start with the one surface where “I’ll just check” becomes a loop. V1 supports YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and X. - Add enough resistance to notice.
Start at 50:1. Increase it if your thumb quickly learns to ignore the speed bump. You can still continue; continuation should be a choice. - Leave intentional routes open.
Use search, messages, a profile, or a specific video when that is your actual reason for opening the app. A middle path only works if it respects the reason you came.
Why not just use a blocker?
Blockers are useful when you want a firm boundary. They are less useful when the app has legitimate uses and the problem is the automatic transition between pieces of content. Friction changes that transition rather than pretending every visit is the same.
Make the feedback concrete
scrollharder.lol turns input pixels into a playful stadium run. The visualization is not a productivity score or a claim that you have “won” against scrolling. It is a physical reminder: the feed asked for work, and you can see the work.
Questions about the middle path
What if I need a stronger boundary?
Use a blocker or device-level limit when a hard stop is the right tool. scrollharder.lol is specifically for the case where you want the feed available with more awareness.
How long should I use friction?
There is no required program in V1. Set it for the feeds and situations where you want a deliberate speed bump, then adjust based on your own use.
Does this replace therapy or medical care?
No. It is a small browser tool, not medical advice or treatment for compulsive behavior.