A new Chrome extension, Cat Gatekeeper, aims to combat social media addiction by helping users manage their screen time. Users can set a default limit of 60 minutes for social media usage.
When the limit is reached, a giant orange cat appears on the screen, blocking access to the site. This playful approach turns a common struggle into a humorous experience.
The extension also allows users to set break durations, with a default break time of 5 minutes. The timer only counts when the social media tab is active; switching tabs resets it.
Cat Gatekeeper supports popular platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. It targets users who struggle to limit their social media usage without assistance.
Key features:
- No data is collected or transmitted externally according to privacy claims on the Chrome Web Store page.
- The extension is designed to improve mental well-being amid increasing screen time.
- The emergence of apps like Cat Gatekeeper reflects the growing concern over doomscrolling.
One user commented, “The funny thing is that it’s actually good for your cortisol levels to decrease if you see a cat/cat video so very smart of him.” This highlights the blend of humor and functionality in the tool.
The demand for effective screen time management solutions continues to rise as more individuals seek to regain control over their digital habits.
