The Problem (Pain Score: 7/10)
Have you ever opened social media for “just 5 minutes” and realized an hour has passed?
- Getting sucked into infinite scroll feeds and wasting time
- Opening social media “for a quick break” while working and losing all focus
- Checking your phone before bed and losing sleep
- Knowing your usage time but unable to stop
The thing is, most people are already aware of their habits. The reason they can’t stop isn’t because they need “hard blocking”—they need gentle nudges.
Target Market
- Primary Market: GLOBAL
- Target Segment: Knowledge workers, students, people interested in digital wellbeing
- Estimated TAM: Percentage of global social media users who recognize overuse
The digital wellbeing market is growing, with particularly high interest in “intentional digital detox” among Gen Z and Millennials.
What is Anti-Doomscroll Extension?
Anti-Doomscroll Extension is a browser extension that doesn’t forcefully block social media doomscrolling, but gently makes you aware of it.
Core Features
- Time Awareness Alerts: Soft overlay saying “You’ve been here 10 minutes”
- Scroll Speed Detection: Alert when fast-scrolling “You’re scrolling mindlessly”
- Break Suggestions: Intermittent nudges like “How about a quick stretch?”
- Gradient Blur: Screen gradually blurs as time passes
- Goal Setting: Personal goals like “Only 15 minutes today”
Different Approach
❌ Existing apps: "BLOCKED" → Frustration → Find workarounds
✅ Our app: "10 minutes already 😊" → Awareness → Voluntary exit
Competitive Analysis
| Competitor | Price | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom | $8.99/mo | Forced blocking, frustrating |
| Cold Turkey | $29 one-time | Too strict, lacks flexibility |
| One Sec | Free-Pro | Only works before opening, useless while scrolling |
| Screen Time (iOS) | Built-in | Mobile only, no browser support |
Differentiator: Existing tools focus on “blocking”. We focus on “awareness” to help users stop themselves.
MVP Development
- Timeline: 2-4 weeks
- Complexity: LOW
- Technical Fit: 9/10
Recommended Stack
Platform: Chrome Extension (Manifest V3)
Frontend: Vanilla JS or React
Storage: chrome.storage API
Analytics: Local storage (privacy-focused)
Distribution: Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons
MVP Scope
- Time tracking for specific sites (Twitter, Reddit, Instagram)
- Overlay notification when set time elapses
- Usage statistics dashboard
- User settings (time limits, site list)
Revenue Model
- Model: FREEMIUM
- Pricing:
- Free: Basic time alerts, 3 sites
- Pro: $2.99/mo (unlimited sites, advanced alerts, stats export)
- Lifetime: $29 one-time
- 6-month MRR estimate: $200
- 12-month MRR estimate: $1,500
Risk Analysis
| Risk | Level | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | LOW | Browser extensions are proven technology |
| Market | MEDIUM | Many free alternatives, differentiate with UX |
| Execution | LOW | 2-4 week MVP, fast feedback possible |
Recommended For
- People who want to reduce social media time but hate forced blocking
- Knowledge workers/students interested in digital wellbeing
- Developers who want to learn browser extension development
- Indie makers who want to gain ProductHunt launch experience
If you’ve started a side project with this idea or have different opinions, please share in the comments!