Does the world need more distraction-free apps?

I’m a sucker for “distraction-free” plain text editors, markdown editors, code editors, sound generators, Pomodoro timers, ebook readers, blogging platforms, app blockers, wallpaper generators, social media, flight simulators, writing devices, to-do apps, and RSS readers.

Every day, I scour the App Store and GitHub for another “clean interface” app, hoping it will reengineer my brain to focus on one task at a time. When I open a so-called “distraction-free” writing app, I demand zero lag and a screen stripped bare of everything except text. Once I open the app, I immediately click the settings and disable all the frills: word counts, spell-check, toolbars. I choose apps that embody the person I want to become.

I blame ad-laden, algorithm-driven apps for my inability to focus on what matters. It’s a relief to say it’s not my fault. I even tell myself resisting infinite scroll on slot-machine apps is beyond human capability. “These apps are weapon-grade addictive,” I warn my friends about social media. I say this as if I have any control over my own urge to stay current, yet I check these sites the moment I open my eyes each morning.

Does the world need more distraction-free apps? Is there any other way to keep me from drowning in this sea of distractions? I keep reaching for more tech to solve a tech problem, waiting for updates as if I were a robot.