pourquoi.app
Glossary
A few terms to talk clearly about phone use, without useless jargon.
Intention-based approach
A method that creates a short pause of awareness before opening an app, so you name why you are going there instead of blocking access.
Question at open
The moment pourquoi.app appears when you open a chosen app, with a calm question such as “why now?”.
Light friction
A small voluntary interruption of the reflex: short enough to stay acceptable, present enough to move from autopilot to choice.
Intentional screen time
Time on the phone after naming a clear intention. The opposite of autopilot scrolling or opening with no reason.
App blocker
A tool that cuts or limits access to certain apps (lock, time limit, allowlist). Effective for some, often bypassed by others.
Screen Time
Apple’s feature that measures usage and offers native limits. Complementary to an intention-based approach, not a required substitute.
Passing on the question (skip)
Closing or ignoring the question without answering. Possible depending on the platform, but discouraged: without a named intention, the gesture loses almost all its value.