Walk to Scroll: New App Blocks Apps Until You Move

WeWard, a free fitness application with 30 million users across 29 countries, has introduced a novel 'walking mode' feature. This innovation aims to help users reduce screen time by temporarily blocking selected apps, such as TikTok and YouTube, until a personal step goal is met.

Users must complete walks to earn back time on their favorite applications. This feature allows for customizable step counts and automatically resets at midnight. WeWard, which connects with wearable devices and health apps, reported that its users increased their walking by nearly 25% prior to this feature launch. The company, backed by tennis star Venus Williams, emphasizes its focus on motivating real-world behavior and enhancing user well-being. WeWard also assures users that their data is not sold, and the company generates revenue through ads, affiliate partnerships, and subscriptions.