Slow tech apps gain popularity by delaying digital messages

A new trend in mobile applications, often referred to as ‘slow tech,’ is gaining popularity by deliberately introducing friction into digital communication. Instead of instant messaging, apps like Carrier Pidge and Roost mimic the slow pace of real-world delivery.

Carrier Pidge allows users to send messages via a digital pigeon that can be tracked on a map, with speeds modeled after real racing pigeons. The app has grown to over 75,000 users since its April launch. Similarly, Roost offers a variety of digital animals, such as snails and penguins, to deliver messages at a much slower pace, recently reaching 650,000 downloads.

Proponents and researchers suggest this movement may be a response to the mental tax of constant notifications. Some studies indicate that frequent, short bursts of phone usage can be more taxing than longer, focused sessions. This shift aligns with concerns among Gen Z, where a 2023 survey found 80% of adults in that demographic worry about excessive technology reliance.