The Touch Grass app offers a playful but practical way for people who can’t stop checking their phone. Want to open TikTok or Instagram? You’ll have to step outside and take a photo of real living grass—seriously.
The system works based on computer-vision technology and is fairly strict: if you try to cheat with a photo of a houseplant or an old picture from a picnic, it won’t work. Only real, living greenery. And if it’s already night outside, the app won’t let you pass the “grass check.” Safety comes first.
The basic version lets you block two apps. For a small fee, you can expand the set and get a full digital detox.
The idea was created by developer Ris Kentiish, who said he once got stuck in endless news and social media scrolling. That personal experience is what led to the app. Now it helps others not just limit screen time, but literally return to nature.
For Russian realities, it would be good to add versions like “go stomp in mud” or “mosey around in the subway.” But overall, the grass-based idea is a great one.
