Breaking the Habit of Mindless Phone Use
In today’s digital age, intentional smartphone usage remains an elusive goal for many. While platforms like iOS and Android offer digital wellness tools, and social networks like Instagram and TikTok implement usage controls, these measures often fall short. Many users still find themselves reflexively unlocking their devices without purpose.
Introducing Intenty: A Purpose-Driven Solution
Ukrainian developer Yaroslav Neznaradko has created Intenty, an innovative Android app designed to combat this automatic behavior. The app interrupts your phone unlocking routine with thoughtful prompts, encouraging you to:
- State your intention for using the device
- Perform brief mindfulness exercises like breathing or stretching
- Reflect on whether the unlock is truly necessary
The Developer’s Journey
Neznaradko’s inspiration came in 2019 during his own struggles with excessive phone use:
“I tried screen time limits, focus modes, and app blockers, but they were frustrating rather than helpful,” he explained to TechCrunch. “As a prototype, I wrote my intentions in a notebook each time I reached for my phone—and it worked.”
After releasing an initial version in 2020 and experimenting with an iOS iteration, Neznaradko rebranded and relaunched as Intenty in 2023. The app has since evolved through multiple iterations, including a ChatGPT-inspired interface that ultimately proved less effective than the current customizable approach.
How Intenty Works
The latest version offers:
- Customizable Nudge Categories: Choose from Intention, Necessity, Grounding, Posture, and Minimalism prompts
- Flexible Settings: Adjust nudge frequency (every 2nd, 3rd, 5th, or 10th unlock)
- Cooldown Periods: Temporarily disable nudges when expecting important notifications
- Usage Analytics: Track your unlock patterns and responses over time
Image Credits: Intenty
Premium Features
While the base app remains free, a $1.99/month subscription unlocks:
- Scheduled nudges
- Hard Mode (mandatory reason entry)
- Quick-lock functionality
The Future of Intentional Phone Use
Following positive reception on Hacker News, Neznaradko continues refining Intenty. Current development focuses on:
- Smart pattern recognition to avoid unnecessary nudges
- Long-usage session reminders
- Dynamic prompt refreshing to prevent fatigue
- Potential multimedia nudges (images/videos)
Alternative Digital Wellness Apps
For those seeking different approaches to mindful phone use:
- One Sec: Interrupts social media use with actions
- Minimalist Screen Time: Limits device functionality
As digital distractions multiply, tools like Intenty represent an important step toward more conscious technology use—helping users reclaim both their time and attention.
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