While labeling screen addiction an epidemic might oversimplify the issue, it’s undeniably a pervasive problem across demographics. Paul English, co-founder of travel site Kayak, has developed a potential solution. His new app, Steppin, requires users to walk before they can scroll: for every 100 steps, they unlock one minute of access to restricted apps. Users can also set a higher step-to-minute ratio if they prefer.
The concept reframes the often guilt-laden experience of scrolling through social media into a reward for healthy activity, addressing that other epidemic — too much sitting — in addition to excessive screen time. Rather than simply imposing restrictions, as many digital wellness tools do, Steppin establishes a positive feedback loop between movement and smartphone use. (Whether it’s helpful to position screen time as a reward is up for debate and/or research.)
Launched in January 2025 for iOS, the app integrates with Apple Health, drawing step counts from an iPhone, Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Garmin watch or any other activity tracker connects to Apple Health. An Android version is set to follow soon. Currently free of charge, Steppin told TechCrunch that an annual subscribtion will be priced around USD 20.