Google has unveiled a new Pause Point feature designed to interrupt compulsive app use and encourage users to think before endlessly scrolling.
Google has launched a new feature aimed at reducing doomscrolling by forcing users to pause before opening selected apps.
The tool, called Pause Point, introduces a 10-second delay before chosen apps can be accessed, giving users time to reconsider whether they genuinely want to open them.
According to Google, the feature is designed to encourage more intentional technology use rather than relying on strict app bans or screen time lockouts.
The tech giant said: “During that pause, you can do a short breathing exercise or set a timer so you don’t spend too much time scrolling.
“You can also look at some favorite photos or jump to alternative app suggestions, like an audiobook.”
Users can select which apps trigger the delay, allowing them to target platforms that are most likely to encourage endless scrolling or compulsive checking.
Google said the idea behind Pause Point is to create a middle ground between unrestricted app use and more severe restrictions like total lockouts.
The company explained: “Sometimes you need something in the middle that encourages app use with clear intention.
To stop users quickly bypassing the feature, Google has also made Pause Point deliberately difficult to disable. Users will need to fully restart their phones before turning the setting off.
The tech behemoth said the extra step is intended to help people “stop and think before disabling” the feature.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the effects of excessive scrolling and addictive app design on mental health, sleep and concentration.
Pause Point was revealed alongside several other Google product announcements, including a major update to its Chromebook laptop range.
Google introduced a redesigned device called the Googlebook, which it described as a fresh rethink of the laptop experience built around its Gemini AI tools.
It said: “Over 15 years ago, we introduced the Chromebook, a laptop built for a cloud-first world.
“Now, as we are moving from an operating system to an intelligence system, we see an opportunity to rethink laptops again.”
Google has increasingly focused on digital wellbeing features in recent years as technology companies face mounting scrutiny over addictive user behaviour online.
Google launches new feature to prevent users from doomscrolling
