Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
3h ago

Google Introduces Pause Point in Android 17 to Slow Doomscrolling

The built-in pause adds friction that could be harder to ignore than past screen‑time tools.

Old Android emojis on a Google Pixel phone
This image portrays a young woman deeply engaged with her smartphone, seen through a distorted, swirling blur effect. The artistic composition highlights the concept of doomscrolling, brainrot, digital addiction, social media immersion, and the modern reliance on technology. The surreal perspective creates a sense of detachment, illustrating how screens can shape and blur reality. The warm and cool tones enhance the mood, evoking themes of isolation, distraction, and digital dependency.
blank
Image

Overview

  • Google, which announced the Pause Point feature Tuesday, will add a 10‑second stop before opening apps you label as distracting.
  • During the pause, Android can surface quick breathing exercises, a session timer, favorite photos, or suggestions like jumping into an audiobook app.
  • Turning the feature off is intentionally harder and requires a full phone restart, according to Google.
  • Pause Point ships as part of Android 17 and is expected to reach users later this year, with features rolling out first on Pixel phones.
  • Tech coverage places the move within growing concern over social‑media harms, with Google framing the tool as a way to prompt more intentional use.