Yale Students Launch Scroll Toll App to Curb Screen Time

Three students from Yale University have developed an innovative app called Scroll Toll, designed to help users manage their screen time while encouraging charitable donations. The app, founded in November 2023 by Asher Barondes, Benjamin Siegel, and Chase Reynders, allows individuals to set limits on their app usage. Exceeding these limits prompts users to make a donation to one of the charities featured within the app.

Barondes, who is responsible for the app’s interface and marketing, explained the motivation behind Scroll Toll: “We wanted to add more friction to really get people off their phones. We recognized that one way to do so is by having some money tied to it. But at least if you did exceed your screen time limit, you would be contributing to some social good.”

Upon downloading Scroll Toll, users establish time limits for specific apps and select a donation amount for each instance they exceed those limits. For instance, a user might choose to contribute $0.25 for every extra five minutes spent on Instagram. The app then offers users the choice to enable automatic donations or donate manually, allowing them to control their contributions.

Benjamin Siegel likened the app’s approach to that of congestion pricing in urban areas, emphasizing the balance users must find between financial implications and screen time. He and Barondes initially developed similar apps independently and connected through family ties prior to collaborating with Reynders.

During his gap year, Siegel gained insights into screen time through a popular Instagram and TikTok account, @boys.with.the.bus, which documents various adventures. The account has amassed two million followers, leading Siegel to reflect on the significant time spent on social media. He stated, “I would look at the stats on the phone after I posted something on it. You’re like, holy crap. I just wasted 100 years of people’s lives in this few-second video I just posted.”

With a goal of fostering healthier relationships with technology, the trio introduced Scroll Toll to the Yale community in November. Early results from a sample of 65 users showed an average reduction of screen time by 20 to 30 percent. As of January 2024, usage has increased, with Scroll Toll being utilized by 130 users.

Feedback has been positive, with users appreciating the app’s flexibility. Evan Daneker, a user who has donated to American Forests, a non-profit focused on forest restoration, noted that Scroll Toll does not force users to quit their apps entirely. He found the app’s approach more manageable compared to others that completely block access.

Another user, Sofia Jacobson, highlighted how Scroll Toll has helped her establish reasonable limits on her screen time. The app prompted her to consider her usage habits, particularly during moments of mindless scrolling.

The developers are committed to ongoing improvements, including closer collaboration with partner charities and initiating monthly challenges. For instance, they plan to emphasize charities related to breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

While the founders recognize that not everyone will be motivated by financial incentives, they are focused on finding their target audience. Reynders expressed confidence in their approach, stating, “At the end of the day, you can always delete the app, and while we would love them to stick with it, we’re really trying to be intentional about our audience.”

As Scroll Toll continues to evolve, its founders aim to provide users with a tool that balances screen time with social responsibility, potentially reshaping how individuals engage with their devices.