Distraction blocking
Block chosen websites or apps on your devices, either on demand or on a schedule.
On this pageWhat it is
What it is
A distraction blocker stops you from opening the sites and apps that pull your attention, such as social media, news and video. You pick what to block and for how long, or set a repeating schedule. Freedom is an example of a tool built around this and can apply the same block across several devices.
Why it matters
Willpower is unreliable when a notification is one click away. Blocking removes the choice, which helps with deep work such as writing, analysis or planning. It suits people who know their habits get in the way. If your work needs the open web, for example for research or social media management, a strict block can get in the way, so look for flexible lists.
What to check
- Does it work on all your devices, such as laptop, phone and tablet.
- Can you block apps as well as websites.
- How hard is it to cancel a session, and can you make it harder on purpose.
- Can you allow certain sites while blocking the rest.
