Hey PH. I built MadFocus because every app blocker I tried was too easy to ignore. I knew I was opening distracting apps on autopilot. A soft reminder or an extra tap was not enough; I would dismiss it without thinking. I wanted the intervention to have a personality and enough friction to break that loop. MadFocus uses Apple's Screen Time controls to block the apps you select. When you try to open one, it gives you the kind of direct, tough-love message a brutally honest friend would use. The second part is what makes it different. If you ignore the warning and still want to unlock the app, MadFocus makes you complete one of six challenges: 1. Read a deliberately uncomfortable line out loud. 2. Type a confession word for word. 3. Face yourself in the camera without looking away. 4. Watch your remaining life count down in real time. 5. Finish a tough-love ultimatum video. 6. Lock your eyes on the goal you promised yourself. The challenge is not punishment for its own sake. It creates enough friction to turn an automatic impulse into a conscious decision. The important privacy choice was simple: MadFocus does not need an account or access to what you do inside other apps. Blocking is handled through Apple's privacy-preserving Screen Time controls. I would especially value feedback on two things: 1. Which challenge would be most likely to stop you from scrolling? 2. Where is the line between motivating and too aggressive? Thanks for trying it. Now close Product Hunt and get back to work

MadFocus

The app blocker that roasts you back to work

The app blocker that roasts you back to work