one sec alternative
SlowDwn vs one sec
one sec is excellent at inserting a pause at open. The failure mode we hear: the breathing screen becomes something you tap through without choosing. SlowDwn puts a golden window first, then friction — a dimmer switch, not a wall at every open.
Side by side
one sec vs SlowDwn
Same job — less doomscroll — different psychology.
Intervention
one sec: Breathing / open delay before every app open
SlowDwn: Golden window of normal use, then calm pause when the allowance ends
Tap-through risk
one sec: Pause can become muscle memory to dismiss
SlowDwn: Golden window first — friction arrives after normal use, not at every open
Program depth
one sec: Per-open friction; less curriculum over weeks
SlowDwn: Automatic four-phase fade over ~90 days; clock holds when Off
Habit model
one sec: Usually whole-app delay
SlowDwn: Dimmer switch on enrolled feeds — calm pause, not a lockout
Try path
one sec: Freemium with limited apps
SlowDwn: 1 service free · 3 with account · Pro $9/mo or $99/yr
Complementary, not enemies
Some people use one sec on a couple of phone apps and SlowDwn on the browser stack (YouTube, Reddit, X). The job is the same: make impulse visible. The mechanism differs.
No commitment
Ready for a calmer feed—on browser and phone?
Try the free Chrome extension with no commitment. Sign up for 3 services, then add mobile beta when invited. Pro is $9/mo or $99/yr.