Hey everyone! 👋 Clint here, founder of Roots - I'm excited to share what we've been working on, and offer you a sweet discount for you to try it out. 🌳 What is Roots? Roots helps you build a better relationship with your phone — by quantifying your digital dopamine, helping you replace time spent scrolling with better things, and adding a little friction to those troublesome apps. 💡 What problem do we solve? Our phones are incredible tools, but they can also be very addicting. We help you build a thoughtful relationship with your phone — so you can scroll less, be more present, and unlock time for better things. ✅ How is Roots different? There are other screen time apps, and Apple even has some built in tools that can help, but we're different, and here's why: - Monitor Digital Dopamine (not all screen time is equal) - Block apps with Monk Mode (limits you can't skip) - Track your Balance Score (like a sleep score for your phone) - Set up Scroll Replacements (for me, it's reading and walking outside) - Build a streak and earn cheat days (scroll away, guilt free) 🎯 Who is Roots for? We all struggle with our phone screen time, but we've found Roots adds the most value for working professionals, parents, remote workers, and health enthusiasts who want to: - Unlock more time - Boost productivity - Improve your wellbeing - Strengthen relationships - Get better sleep 📱Does it actually work? Our average user is saving 2 hours per day thanks to Roots. We have a lot of people who have tried countless other apps, and tricks to limit screen time — and they're telling us Roots is the first thing they've actually been able to stick to. 💰Special offer for Product Hunt: Try Roots free for 7 days, plus get 50% off our paid plan (so, only ~$2.50 per month) with discount code "PH50". Plus, we offer free and discounted subscriptions through our needs-based program for students, teachers, and other folks who need a little help. ❓Frequently asked questions: - What exactly are digital dopamine hits? The best way to describe it simply is to think of all the taps, scrolls, notifications, and attention grabbing content you engage with — all of these little things can trigger the little dopamine 'hit'. - What if it doesn't work for me? We offer a free trial, and 100% money-back guarantee

Hi all makers and creatives! I’m Pontus, Co-Founder & Head of Design at Roots and I'm thrilled to introduce what we are building to you all! I thought I'd share a bit about our design vision and principles as you get familiar with Roots for the first time 🌳 I could start by saying that simplicity is one of our core principles, which it is, but I want to highlight an even more important focus: Supportive. It's tough to get off our phones, it truly is, and I've struggled with this for many years as well. It often starts with a bit of scrolling and ends up consuming all of you. That's why we aim to deliver an experience that feels supportive in facing this challenge. All the way from our tree illustration, representing your daily balance score, to the way we communicate, provide information, and gently nudge you to put down your phone – all without negativity or disruption. We strive for a product experience free from unnecessary complexities, ensuring the highest quality of interactions to move you through Roots seamlessly. Lastly, we infuse playfulness into our design with thoughtful details like animations and transitions. Currently, our app has a light and fresh look, but we’re excited to bring you a lovely dark mode soon. Until then, our website offers a dark, cinematic vibe, perfect for showcasing vivid visuals and depth. Check it out at http://getroots.app and explore the details we’ve crafted so far – I think you’ll like it! We're just getting started, so if you have any thoughts or questions, especially on the design side, I'm here for you! I can't wait to continue this journey with you all as we will launch in Europe very soon too! Thanks a lot for your support! 🚀 /Pontus

I've been one of those guys. Spending hours on socials thinking I am networking while the work I have to get done keeps on sitting, or my life partner is just doom-scrolling instead of making a closer connection. Tried all competitors, iOS screen time, and honestly - all were bulshit. Roots changed my perception on how to connect with the world, that's not in our screens and helped me cure my addiction to constantly check what's going on, as honestly - if it was important somebody would call me. Couldn't recommend Roots more!

Love this! We definitely all need it. And I love the name too. Back to the Roots :)

Hey! What's the main difference from Opal? Except for the UI part.

Very clean UI! Congrats on the launch!

The concept of digital dopamine is intriguing. How does Roots measure and quantify it, and what kind of insights can users gain from this data? Any plans to expand beyond iOS? Congrats on the launch, Clint & Pontus!

Such a great product. Congrats

Quite a set of interesting and thoughtfully designed features to help reduce screentime. Is it odd that I am bugged by the fact that the app is called Roots, but instead of showing the roots, it shows everything else other than the roots of the tree 🌳 in terms of branding. 😅 Also, what inspired the name "Roots"?

The Monk Mode is perfect for blocking out distractions. Great job, Clint!

I am a premium member, started to use this app daily. Kudos to folks behind this app 🌲

Our biggest (and most exciting) customer insight is that when people engage in activities they love, they are less likely to spend time on their phones. Hence, we created the user experience of the Roots App to encourage people to seek positive dopamine sources (such as being outdoors, reading a book, exercising, spending time with loved ones, etc.), which naturally helps them reduce their reliance on digital (cheap) dopamine. Hi, I am Vikram - Co-Founder and User Experience Lead for Roots App. I am also the co-founder of Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organization a nonprofit focused on saving quiet spaces in nature from noise pollution. Roots App is an expression of my personal mission: To help people experience both inner and outer quiet. Scroll less, live more!

I love this idea! Can't wait to try this and finally detach from my phone. The summer is such a great time to launch it so we can all reconnect with nature and enjoy the sun ☀️

While I find it easy to dive deep into overanalyzing anything and everything, I really like the simple Balance Score. It rolls everything up into one super simple score and helps me be mindful of what's taking my attention. Is my phone becoming an idol or a tool - for me, the latter. P.S. ❤️ the UI/UX

Great idea, I love that you're prompted to do something else that's important to you instead of scrolling.

First, huge congrats on the launch! 🎉 After checking out Roots, I realized how much time I waste on apps like PH, IG, X, and Reddit, especially on weekends(Have to look in my screentime stats.). Looking forward to trying out your solution to beat doom scrolling. Here's to more productive screen time!

Hi, I wanted to try it, but seemed like your app has a regional lock. Not available in other stores like Singapore?

Hey. Congratulations on the launch! This is truly meaningful for me. I have to use laptops everyday for work, which cause a great pressure to my eyes. When I come back home, I feel boring and prefer to scroll social medias without any intention. I would be happy if there's an app that could help me away from phone. And my question is, does this app have some interesting ideas provided for users ? Then can can do something instead of playing the phone.

Sounds great, but unfortunately not yet available in the European app store (I'm in the Netherlands). Can only "pre-order" it in the app store. It says it'll be available December 1st. Might want to check on that @clinjar :)

Hey @clinjar Ditch the mindless scrolling! Roots goes beyond screen time limits. It analyzes your phone use and personalizes strategies to build a healthier tech habit. You'll be surprised how good it feels to be in control!