Co-founder of Kayak creates a new way to "escape displacement" on social media.
Let's be honest: many people need apps that help them quit other apps.
A new app has an unconventional goal: to encourage people to use fewer applications. The creators of Steppin, an app available on iOS, recognize that many modern individuals require technology to disconnect from it.
Developed by Paul English, co-founder of the travel site Kayak (which was acquired by Priceline in 2012 for $1.8 billion), Steppin was recently launched in the app store with the slogan "Escape the Scroll." The app allows users to block access to certain platforms, especially social media, until they have completed a specific number of steps that they set for themselves.
The concept of Steppin arose after a family trip to Spain, where they realized they preferred looking at their devices rather than enjoying the museums and cathedrals. With this app, users decide how many steps they need to take to unlock, for example, one minute on TikTok or five minutes on Instagram. English believes this tool can contribute to the mental and physical well-being of both children and adults.
In addition to social media, Steppin also allows control over video games and entertainment sites like Netflix. In the future, users will have the option to choose different forms of physical exercise, such as yoga or Pilates classes, to unlock their screen time. Although it is currently available only on iOS, a release for Android is also planned. Steppin is free for now, but it is expected to adopt a subscription model, likely around $20 per month.