Updated
Updated · Dexerto · Apr 26Cat Gatekeeper Chrome extension enforces social media breaks with giant cat overlay
4 articles · Updated · Dexerto · Apr 26
- Developed by ZOKUZOKU, Cat Gatekeeper lets users set custom usage and break times, defaulting to 60 and 5 minutes respectively.
- When the limit is reached, a large orange cat covers the browser window, pausing social media use on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
- The extension has gone viral on X, is free with no ads, and claims not to collect or transmit user data, with users joking about its effectiveness.
Beyond the cute cat, can simple 'friction' apps truly combat platform-engineered addiction? With many extensions secretly spying, how can users trust a free app's privacy promises? How effective is a browser-only blocker when users can just switch to their phones? Why is a simple cat overlay winning hearts where complex productivity apps have failed? Does making a break annoying with a cat work better than a neutral notification? Are personal tools the real answer as government regulation of social media stalls?