Internet addiction is on the rise. According to studies, the percentage of people who have a compulsive need to spend time online has grown toover 30%.

Rhys Kentish, the creator of the viral iPhone appTouch Grass, spoke exclusively withBored Pandaabout his mission to help people break their scrolling habits and connect with the outside world.

The app’s concept is simple: it blocks access to social media apps until users physically go outside and take a picture of themselves touching grass. Its game-like aesthetics and fun concept have made it go viral ahead of its launch next week.

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An app that blocks people’s phones until they go outside and physically touch grass goes viral ahead of release

Hands touching grass and daisies, depicting app concept linked to social media usage.

Image credits:Cup of Couple/Pexels (not the actual photo)

ForKentish, a software developer from London,Touch Grassstarted as a solution to a personal issue.

“I was trying to find a solution to a problem where I woke up and scrolled for an hour before getting out of bed,” he explained.

Person sitting at a table with grass covering, next to a smartphone and green drink, related to app controversy.

Image credits:rhyskentish

“I knew it wasn’thealthy; on top of that, I needed an incentive to get outside more, especially in the winter months,” Kentish added.

“I remember the internet being something I used an hour a day at most as a kid,” Kentish reflected.

The app was createdto combat the effects of addictive algorithms designed to train people’s brains to constantly be online

Pixelated grass icon on a yellow background representing a controversial app.

Image credits:apps.apple

Experts have identified excessivesocial media useas one of the main culprits behind internet addiction.

This results in a cycle in which the more a person uses social media, the harder it is for them toresist it.

App forces you to touch grass to unblock social media, showing screen time trends and productivity features.

Nicolás Vásquez, an analytics consultant and data collection expert, explained toBored Pandathat the processis designedto become more effective over time.

“Thesecomplex algorithmstrack user data and carefully adjust the app’s content for maximum engagement,” Vásquez explained.

“It’s constant feedback. The more the user spends time on the internet, thebetter itbecomesat keepingthem engaged.”

App screen showing a hand on grass, illustrating “touch grass” feature to unblock social media.

Image credits:RhysKentish

For Rhys Kentish, those involved inthe creation ofsuch apps and algorithms bear the brunt of the responsibilityand should operatebetweenethical boundaries to prevent addiction.

“I strongly believe that people who work in the tech space have a responsibility to keep this in mind when creating [apps],” he stated. “For all of us, but especially for thenewer generations.”

The app’s name comes from internet forums, where people would lightheartedly mock each other for being “terminally online”

— Rhys Kentish (@RhysKentish)February 24, 2025

“I knew the app was viral content-material, and I was intentional in making it that way, but to blow up the way it has exceeded any expectations.”

A person using an app on their phone outdoors to unblock social media, sitting on grass beside a laptop.

The app has become especially popular in video game circles, as both its name and aesthetic borrow heavily from that culture. The name itself is a tongue-in-cheek reference to a common phrase used on gaming forums.

“It’s usually said to people as a bit of a light-hearted insult, telling them to go offline and re-connect with the world,” he explained.

Tweet about “Touch Grass” app waitlist linking social media and reality.

TouchGrass’retro aesthetic comes from Kentish’s desire toreturnto simpler times when technology wasn’t so advanced and entrenched in people’s daily lives.

“Leaving the digital world behind to go outside feels like an old-school thing to do nowadays,” he remarked.

Netizens reacted enthusiastically to the app and flooded social media with features they would like to see implemented in the future

Smartphone on grass displays “touch grass” app, next to a green cup, illustrating social media unblocking method.

“Add a streak system like Duolingo, and this could go very far,” one user wrote.

“This could get big,” another said. “Add streaks, levels, and perhaps a ‘touch tree’ option too!”

Some users pointed out an interesting problem with the app, “Okay, what if there’s no grass? Can you make a touch snow version?”

“I love this, and it’s very creative,” another said. “Unfortunately, I live in Minnesota and will not have grass again until April.”

Room with green carpet resembling grass illustrating social media app controversy.

Image credits:LaPrincesaMX

Touch Grassis set to releasenext week, on March 14, exclusively in Apple’s App Store.An Android version is currently unavailable but might enter development later this year.

Bored Panda has no commercial affiliation with the app mentioned in the article. Coverage is provided solely for entertainment and informational purposes.

“Amazing!” Netizens celebrated the idea but lamented the need for it in today’s society

Tweet from user responding to an app controversy: “modern problems require ancient solutions”.

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Tweet criticizing a controversial app forcing users to touch grass to unblock social media, sparking debate online.

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Tweet by Bovada Casino about app that forces you to touch grass, expressing concern with a crying emoji.

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Tweet about app requiring outdoor activity to address social media addiction.

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Tweet about app encouraging outdoor activity, promoting balance between screen time and fresh air.

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Tweet from WitchyCatLady about app requiring users to go outside, discussing its impracticality in extreme climates; controversy noted.

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Tweet reacting to app controversy with emojis and emphasis on “insane.

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A tweet discussing reliance on technology, related to the “Touch Grass” app controversy.

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Tweet about controversial app forcing users to touch grass to unblock social media.

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Tweet screenshot discussing app forcing users to touch grass to unlock social media, sparking debate.

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Tweet discussing app that blocks social media until touching grass, sparking controversy.

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Tweet praising app forcing users offline to unblock social media, sparks controversy.

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Tweet screenshot discussing social media app controversy, expressing hope for future generations.

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Tweet by “The Secretary For War” discussing app controversy, hoping someone makes money on launch day.

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