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Screenzen
In general I'm kinda skeptical of apps which block you from using other apps for a couple different reasons BUT I've been trying out screenzen for past few days and it works pretty well! I like that it's customisable and that you can choose whether you'll hard block or soft block apps on your phone, and I know it won't work for everyone but the 5 seconds timer before opening apps really works for me because I find most of my screen time comes from unconsciously clicking on Instagram while I do stuff. it also has the option to block specific websites and specifically the reels/shorts/short form videos on apps which seems super useful e.g. if you still wanna message on Instagram but not scroll. That being said, I don't use that feature because the permissions to let it control my phone and see everything freak me out a little lmaooo BUT ANYWAY it is a cool feature if you don't mind giving that permission my screen time is down from likeee around 8 hours to 2½ish so :) (that's a little embarrassing to admit) (but also like 45mins ish are practical apps like my bus ticket app and Spotify and work chat thingy SO)
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@aeriecherry
Feb 1, 2025
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@yayiy
Hey there! I noticed you mentioned the option in ScreenZen to block only Reels/Shorts without locking down all of Instagram or YouTube, and I’m curious how you set that up. From what I’ve gathered, you don’t need separate apps for Reels or Shorts. ScreenZen is actually able to detect when you’re in the short-form section within the standard Instagram or YouTube apps. That way, it specifically blocks only Reels or Shorts, leaving the rest of the app accessible (so you can still message people on Instagram or watch longer videos on YouTube). I tried using ScreenZen’s “Block Short Form” option, set it to a 1-minute limit just to see if it would work, and then jumped into YouTube to test. But when I opened the Shorts section, it didn’t block anything — I could watch them freely. Did you have to tweak any specific settings or grant extra permissions for ScreenZen to recognize and block just the Shorts, without blocking the rest of YouTube? I’m really curious how you got that feature working! I’m in the same boat of wanting to cut down on scrolling reels/shorts but still keep normal Instagram/YouTube. Let me know how it went for you!
Mar 11, 2025
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@aeriecherry
@YAYIY Hiiii I'm so sorry I didn't see this!! The option to block short form media started working for me when I allowed the app more permissions, it should prompt you and ask for those permissions though. It needs to be able to draw over apps and control your screen, I'm not sure how else I can help sorry!! The app itself is still a little buggy sometimes and will let me on shorts without blocking them occasionally even with the extra permissions. Good luck on cutting down on screen time and I hope it works for you!! <3 <3
Mar 28, 2025

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Screenzen
It’s an app that you can use to block certain apps on your phone that has helped me greatly decrease my social media time without quitting cold turkey (though I’m trying to do that too, recently). I have it set so that I can only open instagram 7 times a day in 5 minute increments. I spend much less time doomscrolling but can still look at things my friends have sent me, etc.
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@irateirene
Jan 21, 2025
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screen zen app
this app has changed my life it’s the only thing that’s legitimately worked for controlling my screen time essentially it lets you assign time limits to certain apps, as well as a limit on how many times a day you can open them. for instance, my limits for instagram are ten times a day, for ten minutes at a time. the apps are locked by default which forces you to be more intentional every time you do open it. highly recommend, i’ve been using for almost a month and my screen time is down by HALF!!!
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@milkbags
Sep 26, 2024
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screen zen app
so far, the only successful social media deterrent for me. it’s also extremely customizable and helps redirect you to other things when you go to open a blocked app.
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@enjoyurlove
Dec 23, 2024

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