Ten apps to help break the habit of doomscrolling
Reporting by TechCrunch lists apps offering learning, creative and calming options for spare minutes on a phone.
Key points
- TechCrunch lists apps as alternatives to endless social media scrolling.
- TechCrunch cites polling indicating 64% of Americans admit to doomscrolling.
- Researchers have linked heavy scrolling to brain fatigue, poor focus and disrupted sleep.
- Most listed apps are free, with paid tiers ranging from $2.99 to $79.99 a year or month.
- The list covers self-care, reading, drawing, radio, brain training, geography, word games and languages.
Doomscrolling refers to losing long stretches of time to social media feeds, often without meaning to. TechCrunch describes the habit as very common. The share of Americans who say they do it stands at 64%, according to a survey the outlet cites from the previous year.
Researchers have cautioned that the habit may harm wellbeing, including mental health and the ability to concentrate. Lengthy sessions are linked with mental tiredness, trouble focusing and interrupted sleep. When the material is upsetting or stressful, it may leave people anxious, down and drained.
Self-care and reading apps
Finch is a self-care app built around a virtual pet. Owners help their pet grow by finishing small everyday targets, for example hydrating, taking a stroll or practising mindfulness. Users can also journal, do a breathing exercise or send good wishes to a friend through the app. It is free on iOS and Android.
Libby is a free app that links readers with a public library’s online catalogue of ebooks, audiobooks and magazines. Holders of a library card can borrow many titles at no cost. TechCrunch suggests it suits moments such as a commute or a wait at a clinic. It is free on iOS and Android.
Creative and connected options
Dudel Draw offers a fresh random shape every day, which users turn into a drawing. Shapes can be simple geometric figures or more intricate abstract forms. Friends can share their results and compare them, a playful alternative to exchanging short clips. It is available on iOS for free.
Radio Garden gives access to more than 25,000 live stations from around the world. A map shows green dots for towns and cities, and selecting one plays broadcasts from that spot. Listeners can save favourites and search by station, country or place. The basic service is free, and an ad-free upgrade costs $2.99 a month.
Brain training, games and languages
Elevate aims to sharpen focus, memory, reading and maths. Its more than 40 games target skills used in daily life, from faster reading to comparing prices. A free tier allows three games daily, while unlimited play is available through a yearly plan at $39.99.
Vocabulary introduces new words daily, each with a definition, sample sentences and pronunciation help. A free trial is offered, after which the price is $4.99 monthly or $59.99 annually. Seterra, free on both platforms, has over 300 geography games covering flags, bodies of water and mountain ranges. NYT Games bundles word, logic and number puzzles; a $5.99 monthly subscription unlocks everything, while several titles remain free.
Drops teaches more than 45 languages through short visual mini-games, with lessons of around five minutes. The free version gives five-minute lessons each day. Full access costs $11.99 a month or $79.99 a year.
TechCrunch notes that the piece first ran in March 2026 and is revised as new details emerge. Prices and availability are as stated in the report at the time it was written.
Frequently asked questions
How many Americans doomscroll according to TechCrunch?
TechCrunch cites a survey from the previous year in which 64% of Americans said they engage in doomscrolling. The outlet describes the habit as widespread.
Are the listed apps free?
Several apps are free to use, including Finch, Libby and Seterra. Others offer free versions or trials, with paid plans for extra features.
Which apps are available on both iOS and Android?
According to the report, Finch, Libby, Radio Garden, Elevate, Vocabulary, NYT Games and Drops are available on both platforms. Dudel Draw is listed for iOS only.
Sources
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
