Rhys Kentish, a developer, has taken the phrase "touch grass" to a whole new level with his latest iOS app, Touch Grass. Launched last week, the app locks distracting apps until users literally take a photo of grass outside, promoting a healthier balance between screen time and outdoor activity.

The inspiration behind Touch Grass stems from Kentish's own struggles with screen time. He realized that if he didn't make a change, he would spend seven years of his life staring at his phone. Kentish wanted a solution that would provide more friction than existing apps, something that would motivate him to leave the house in the morning and avoid the habit of mindless scrolling.

The app uses computer vision AI to distinguish between house plants and actual outdoor grass, ensuring users can't cheat their way out of going outside. In a humorous yet effective manner, Touch Grass forces users to take a photo of real grass to unlock their distracting apps. The app even takes into account safety concerns, allowing users to customize their settings to accommodate times when going outside may not be feasible, such as after dark.

Kentish's innovative approach has sparked both amusement and appreciation from users. While some initially found the concept humorous, many have reported that the app has genuinely helped them reduce their screen time and develop a healthier routine. The app's freemium model allows users to lock two apps for free, with the option to pay what they want to unlock additional apps. Half of the revenue generated from these unlocks will be donated to rewilding efforts in the UK.

The concept of paid unlocks was present in Kentish's initial design, which involved transferring money from his checking account to his savings every time he opened TikTok. However, the idea of touching grass proved more palatable and humorous, eliminating the need to link bank accounts. Since its launch, Touch Grass has been downloaded around 50,000 times, with Kentish open to potential investment opportunities to further develop the app, including an Android version and expanded marketing efforts.

The success of Touch Grass highlights the growing concern about screen time addiction and the need for innovative solutions to promote a healthier digital lifestyle. As users increasingly seek ways to manage their screen time, apps like Touch Grass may play a significant role in shaping the future of digital wellness.

With its unique approach and commitment to rewilding efforts, Touch Grass is an app worth keeping an eye on. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to this unconventional yet effective solution to screen time addiction.