As concerns around excessive screen time and social media addiction continue to grow, Google has introduced a new Android feature called Pause Point that aims to help users reduce impulsive app usage.
The feature creates a mandatory 10-second delay before selected apps can open, encouraging users to reconsider whether they genuinely want to use the app or are opening it out of habit.
According to Google, Pause Point is designed to reduce behaviours such as impulsive scrolling and doomscrolling on apps like Instagram, YouTube and X.
Unlike traditional app timers that alert users only after time has already been spent inside an app, Pause Point works before the app opens. Once users mark an app as distracting, Android displays a 10-second pause screen every time they attempt to launch it.
During the waiting period, users can either continue opening the app after the countdown or choose to do something else instead. Google said the feature may also suggest alternatives such as fitness apps, audiobook apps or even display favourite photos during the pause.
The feature also allows users to set a timer before entering the app, making usage feel more intentional instead of depending on fixed limits after prolonged use. According to the company, Pause Point is harder to bypass than standard app timers because disabling it requires restarting the phone.
Several technology platforms and smartphone brands already provide tools aimed at reducing distractions, including Apple’s Screen Time, Samsung’s Focus Mode and Google’s Digital Wellbeing features. However, Pause Point takes a different approach by interrupting users before the app opens rather than after they are already engaged.
The announcement comes as regulators in several countries and US states continue increasing scrutiny around social media addiction, especially among younger users. Multiple governments have proposed or introduced laws limiting social media access for minors due to concerns about mental health impacts and addictive recommendation systems.
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