-
Steppin is an app that restricts your use of social media by asking you to take a certain number of daily steps to unlock it.
-
Although targeted at Generation Z, the app is also useful for parents and adults eager to reduce screen time.
-
Steppin turns social into a reward, promoting movement and awareness in balancing time online.
Ever wonder how much time you spend scrolling each day? If your answer is “too much,” there’s a new app designed to help you take control: Steppin. This clever app aims to help you reclaim your time by replacing endless scrolling with physical activity.
The idea is simple but effective. Created by Paul English—founder of travel search engine Kayak—along with his son Michael and girlfriend Rachel Cohen, Steppin was born out of a shared goal: reducing screen time by linking it to movement.
How does it work?
Here’s the deal: to access apps like Instagram or TikTok, you need to rack up a certain number of steps each day. The target is up to you—for example, 100 steps might equal one minute of social media time. If you’re having a tough day and need a quick fix, don’t worry; the app includes an override option for temporary access.
The inspiration
The idea hit Paul English during a vacation in Spain, where he noticed how much time was being lost to screens—even in the middle of stunning scenery. Though Steppin was initially designed with Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) in mind, it’s a great tool for all ages. Parents might find it particularly appealing as a way to set healthy limits for their kids, though let’s be honest—we could all use a little help managing our screen time.
Flipping the script
It’s no secret that tech companies profit from keeping us glued to our screens. Many apps are designed to maximize our attention spans, often making it hard to step away. But Steppin flips the script, turning social media into a reward for moving your body. Think of it as positive reinforcement—like training a dog, but, you know, for humans. It might sound funny, but it’s a step (pun intended) toward building better habits.
Your turn
So, how about it?
Do you ever feel glued to your phone? Have you tried strategies to cut back on screen time? Could Steppin help you balance online time with physical activity? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!