WeWard App Locks Social Media Until Steps Goal is Met
The WeWard app, backed by Venus Williams, now features 'Walking Mode' to lock social media and other apps until users achieve their daily step goals, aiming to reduce screen time and encourage physical activity.
The popular rewards app WeWard has introduced a new feature called "Walking Mode" that empowers users to temporarily lock selected applications on their smartphones until they achieve a predetermined daily step count. This innovative addition aims to combat excessive screen time while simultaneously motivating individuals to increase their physical activity. Users can customize which apps, such as Instagram or TikTok, are restricted and set specific step goals, for example, requiring 3,000 steps before regaining access.
Previously, WeWard incentivized walking by awarding users "Wards," an in-app currency redeemable for cash, gift cards, or charitable donations. The platform also incorporates a gamified leaderboard to foster friendly competition among friends. However, the integration of screen time management aligns with a growing user demand for tools that help limit unnecessary phone usage and social media consumption.
With support from notable angel investor and tennis star Venus Williams, the France-based company boasts a significant global presence. WeWard reports having 30 million users across 29 countries, including 4 million in the United States. The company also claims its platform has demonstrated an ability to increase users' walking time by nearly 25%.
Promoting Healthier Digital Habits
WeWard co-founder Yves Benchimol articulated the company's philosophy, stating, "We believe the next generation of products should be designed to create healthier behaviors in the real world, not simply capture more attention." He further elaborated on the significance of the new feature: "Walking Mode is our contribution to that vision, and we hope it inspires a broader conversation about mindful design and how the industry defines success." This perspective challenges the conventional app development model, which often prioritizes maximizing user engagement and time spent within an application.
The company emphasizes that users typically spend only a few minutes daily interacting with the core WeWard app itself. This low engagement metric is viewed positively, as it indicates the app is not designed to monopolize users' attention but rather to serve as a facilitator for healthier habits. By integrating features that encourage physical activity and mindful technology use, WeWard seeks to differentiate itself in a crowded digital marketplace and appeal to a growing segment of users conscious of their digital well-being.
The "Walking Mode" feature represents a significant shift in how mobile applications can be designed to promote positive behavioral change. Instead of solely relying on rewards for engagement, the app now actively encourages users to balance their digital lives with real-world activities. This move by WeWard could set a precedent for other application developers looking to incorporate features that support user health and wellness without compromising functionality. The success of this feature may depend on user adoption and the perceived effectiveness in helping individuals achieve both their step goals and their screen time reduction objectives.