Android adds a feature to prevent you from scrolling

Anti-doomscrolling functionality is now built into Android. (Yes, things have gotten worse.)

On Tuesday, Google announced Pause Point, which is designed to prevent users from using malicious software on Android, the mobile operating system that powers Google’s Pixel phones, Samsung devices, and more.

Pause Point works by requiring you to take a 10-second pause after opening any program you find distracting. TikTok, Instagram, X, even Google’s YouTube can be the types of programs called “distractions” by owners of Android devices who are worried about the power of time-consuming algorithms to eat up their day.

In addition, Google does not only think about the welfare of users, of course.

This is in line with the growing number of laws on social harm and algorithmic risks. Today, many countries and States of the US have enacted laws to prevent or prohibit children from using social media, because the effects of these programs on the health of young people are well known.

Google can now point to something like Pause Point saying that it’s part of the solution, not the problem.

“Android is more accessible than ever, but we also want to give you the tools to connect when you need it,” said Dieter Bohn, editor-in-chief at The Verge, who is now head of Google’s Platforms & Ecosystems group, in a press release about the Android 17 update.

“I think we’re all guilty of going into our phone and opening another app and getting stuck on autopilot, and an hour goes by,” he said.

Until now, social media producers, including YouTubeand he turned around to the concept of the app timers as a way to remind you to take a break or stop wiping. Pause Point turns that idea on its head, as it interrupts the implementation of the program – and the flood of dopamine that follows – forcing you to stop and reconsider whether this is something you really want to do, or if it’s a habit you want to stop.

Google says that you can use the time when Pause Point helps you do a little exercise or think about other things to do instead of swiping. For example, this feature can show important apps, such as your favorite fitness app, audiobook app, Kindle or Google Play Books app, etc.

You can also choose to look at photos you like for ideas – perhaps ones that remind you of certain activities, such as walking outdoors, your pets, arts and crafts.

Additionally, Pause Point lets you choose to set an app timer before you log in, making the time you spend in-app more intentional from the get-go. This can work better than a regular timer, which is always set for the same amount of time, even though the conditions that cause you to take a slow breath may vary.

The display is harder to turn off than the program timers, many of which can be ignored. Instead, Pause Point requires you to restart the phone to turn it off, Google says, which makes you think before you pause it.

Pause Point may not be as fun (or fun) as desktop-oriented or self-care programs. Finch or Hank Green’s Focus Friendbut it has the advantage of being built into Android itself, which will help to reach it.