Dutch app and campaign promote social‑media breaks

Developer Ali Waseem created the iPhone‑only app Foqos, which uses NFC tags or QR/barcode scans to lock social‑media apps and limit usage to short intervals. The app, offered for free, allows users to place a physical tag out of reach and unlock apps for a set time, contrasting with other Dutch start‑ups Unpluq, Tap Out and the US‑based Brick that sell proprietary unlocking blocks costing €50‑70.

At the same time, the Dutch initiative Mei Social Vrij urges people to abstain from social‑media for a month. Backed by public figures such as Carice van Houten and Sander Schimmelpenninck, the movement claims a month‑long break can improve well‑being, foster real connections and reduce the average two‑hour‑per‑day screen time on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.