Mivo launches a mindful screen time app focused on healthier digital habits

Endless doomscrolling on social media has become a common habit for many people, often causing them to lose track of time without realizing it. Instead of addressing the issue with rigid restrictions, a new app called Mivo Scrolling takes a different approach by encouraging users to be more mindful of how they spend time on their phones.

Launched last month, Mivo offers many of the same features found in traditional screen time apps. It tracks how long users spend on their devices, monitors usage patterns, and provides insights into daily screen habits. However, the company believes its biggest differentiator is its judgment-free philosophy. Rather than making users feel guilty about their phone use, Mivo encourages them to be more intentional about their digital habits. The concept aligns with the growing “slow tech” movement, which promotes building a healthier relationship with technology instead of simply limiting access to it.

Instead of completely blocking social media or other distracting apps, Mivo allows users to create customizable scrolling sessions. Users can schedule dedicated periods—for example, two one-hour sessions each day—during which they decide which apps they want to use. When it’s time to step away, the app displays a gentle reminder encouraging users to reflect on why they are scrolling at that moment. Are they bored, looking for a distraction, or simply trying to relax?

Unlike many screen time tools that automatically force users to stop using their phones, Mivo leaves the final decision to the individual. The goal is to help users become more conscious of their habits rather than relying on strict digital barriers.

“Most screen time tools try to restrict people after the habit is already happening,” Mivo Scrolling creator Pranshu Raithatha told TechCrunch. “Mivo introduces a brief moment of reflection when someone opens a social media app, giving them a chance to pause and think about why they’re opening it before slipping into automatic scrolling.”

The app also allows users to schedule gentle reminders every 2, 3, or 5 minutes during a scrolling session. These regular pauses encourage users to check in with themselves and remain aware of how they are spending their time. Once the session ends, Mivo asks whether the time felt worthwhile or whether they got caught in endless scrolling, to help users build healthier long-term digital habits.

Mivo also includes a home screen widget that displays daily scrolling time while reminding users when their next scheduled scrolling session begins, making it easier to stay mindful throughout the day.

Mivo Scrolling is currently available for free download on Apple’s App Store.