TL;DR
Digital Carrot is presented as a distraction-blocking app that restricts access to apps, websites and games until users complete daily goals. Goals can be chosen from templates or built with a simple script and may use timers, GPS or health data to verify progress.
What happened
Digital Carrot is a goal-driven distraction blocker that prevents access to selected apps, websites and video games until specified daily objectives are met. Users set up progress-tracked goals either from prebuilt templates or by authoring a small script. After choosing the items they find distracting, the app blocks them until the user completes the goals for the day, at which point access is restored. Example goal types shown by the developer include using health metrics to verify burning a target number of calories, relying on the phone’s GPS to confirm a trip to the gym and its duration, running a timed meditation session, or limiting scrolling to a set daily total. The product also advertises integrations with task managers and learning sites — for instance, tracking completed reminders or time spent on educational websites — to make unlocking conditional on productive activity.
Why it matters
- Applies device sensors and timers to make habit formation conditional and measurable.
- Offers a programmable approach that can be tailored beyond fixed presets, aiming to fit diverse personal goals.
- Combines blocking with positive reinforcement: access is returned after goals are met, rather than permanent restriction.
- Could change how people manage screen time by tying leisure access directly to productivity or health tasks.
Key facts
- Blocks apps, websites and video games until user-defined goals are completed.
- Goals can be created from premade templates or fully programmed with a simple script.
- Progress toward goals is tracked automatically according to the developer.
- Supports verification methods such as health data for calories and GPS for gym attendance and duration.
- Includes timers for activities like meditation and mechanisms for limiting daily scrolling time.
- Allows scheduling to block or unblock apps during specified work hours.
- Can track task completion via integrations with Apple Reminders or Todoist (as presented).
- Example learning goal: spending a set amount of time on an educational site such as Khan Academy.
- The service is marketed as a way to convert digital habits into motivation rather than only restricting behavior.
What to watch next
- Platform availability and supported operating systems: not confirmed in the source
- Pricing model and any subscription tiers or one-time fees: not confirmed in the source
- Details on data handling, privacy and what health/GPS data is stored or shared: not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Distraction blocker: Software that restricts access to certain apps, websites or services to reduce interruptions and improve focus.
- Scriptable goal: A goal defined with a small, user-usable script or rule set that specifies conditions for completion.
- GPS verification: Using a device’s location data to confirm that a user visited or spent time at a specific place.
- Health data: Metrics from a device or wearable—such as steps or calories burned—that can be used to verify physical activity.
- Timer-based goal: A goal that requires running a timer for a set duration to count toward completion, commonly used for meditation or focused work.
Reader FAQ
What is Digital Carrot?
A distraction-blocking app that locks selected apps, websites and games until users meet configured daily goals.
How are goals verified?
The developer describes automatic tracking using templates or scripts, with examples including health data, GPS checks and timers.
Which platforms does it run on?
not confirmed in the source
Is Digital Carrot free or paid?
not confirmed in the source
Turn your digital addictions into a super power Digital Carrot is the world’s most flexible distraction blocker. It helps you build healthy habits by blocking apps, websites and video games…
Sources
- Show HN: Digital Carrot – Block social media with programmable rules and goals
- Block social media with programmable rules and goals
- Plugins – Digital Carrot
- The best distraction blockers to jump-start your focus in …
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