Pet a dog to use social media — by Roots
the most wholesome app blocker on the internet
# Productivity ToolsWhat is Pet a dog to use social media — by Roots?
Our latest update forces you to pet your dog before you can scroll on social media. Turn a mindless habit into real world joy, and add a little friction to your doom scrolling. This isn’t just cute — it’s behavioral science meets emotional design.
Problem
Users struggle with mindless social media scrolling, leading to reduced real-world engagement and joy. The old solution lacks intentional friction, resulting in habitual doomscrolling without positive real-world interactions.
Solution
A mobile app blocker that forces users to pet their dog before accessing social media. It combines behavioral science and emotional design, requiring physical interaction with a pet (via photo/video verification) to unlock apps. Example: Upload a 10-second video of petting your dog to gain temporary social media access.
Customers
Pet owners, particularly dog owners, aged 18-35, who actively use social media but seek to balance screen time with meaningful offline interactions. Targets users interested in digital wellness and animal-assisted emotional regulation.
Unique Features
Unique requirement of pet interaction as access currency, blending animal companionship benefits with tech moderation. Uses emotional anchoring (positive reinforcement from pet bonding) instead of punitive blocking.
User Comments
Forces me to appreciate real-life moments with my dog
Reduces screen time through joyful accountability
Creative approach to digital detox
Helps strengthen pet-owner bond daily
Sometimes frustrating when dog isn't nearby
Traction
Newly launched on ProductHunt (specific metrics unavailable), leveraging viral pet-content appeal. Comparable apps in digital wellness space average 500k+ downloads (e.g., Forest: 10M+ installs). Founder's X account has 1,200+ followers.
Market Size
Global digital wellbeing market projected to reach $70 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research). Pet tech sector valued at $6.5 billion in 2024 (Statista), creating hybrid opportunity.
