PORTLAND, OR — A new Portland-based startup has launched a digital wellbeing app designed to help users disconnect from their devices, primarily by notifying them—through those same devices—that they should consider disconnecting.
The app, called “Unplug,” sends users gentle hourly reminders to “be present,” “touch grass,” and “maybe just sit with their thoughts for a second,” all of which users report immediately opening, reading, and then thoughtfully ignoring.
“We noticed people were spending too much time on their phones,” said one developer, checking three notifications mid-sentence. “So we built something that keeps them engaged in a more intentional way.”
📱 Users Report Significant Increase In Awareness Of Their Screen Time
Early testers say the app has already made a noticeable impact.
“I now check my phone way more,” said one Southeast Portland resident. “But it’s different. Now I feel bad about it, which I think is the goal.”
According to internal data, users open the app an average of 47 times per day to confirm they are, in fact, still trying to unplug.
☕ Premium Version Includes Artisanal Disconnection
The app’s paid tier integrates with local coffee shops, allowing users to ignore notifications in a more curated, small-batch environment.
Features include:
- Guided “staring out the window while it rains”
- Push notifications that say “no seriously, put the phone down”
- A weekly report explaining how often users thought about unplugging instead of actually doing it
Developers say future updates may include a setting that automatically locks the phone until the user admits they weren’t going to read that article anyway.
🌲 Portland Users Embrace The Concept, Lightly
Locals say the app fits naturally into Portland’s broader commitment to self-improvement.
“It pairs really well with my other habits,” said one user. “I journal about not using my phone, track it in another app, and then reward myself by scrolling.”
Experts note that while the app doesn’t reduce screen time, it does successfully transform it into what they describe as “a more reflective experience.”
📉 Results Considered “Emotionally Successful”
At press time, the app had just sent users another reminder to disconnect, which was opened immediately.
