In a somewhat surprising move, YouTube seems set to help us stop doom scrolling on Shorts, one of its most addictive format.
According to findings in the latest beta version of the app (first spotted by Android Authority), YouTube is exploring a daily timer that would let users limit how long they spend watching Shorts.
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The concept? Set your max time for Shorts. Once you hit it, the app pauses them for the rest of the day. You might still be able to watch the occasional short, but the doomscroll rabbit hole? Blocked.
YouTube confirmed that the feature isn’t live yet, but they are exploring it. It joins the platform’s existing “Take a Break” reminders for long-form content, and feels like a step toward a more mindful user experience, while keeping you in control.
Let’s be honest though. This isn’t just altruism. It’s a smart move as more people turn to screen-time management apps and even physical gadgets to curb their scrolling habits. Apple, Google, and even niche devices are all tapping into the same rising anxiety: We want to consume less… even as we keep clicking “one more.”
Would you actually use a Shorts timer? Or would you immediately snooze it like every other well-meaning reminder?
Either way, the battle between attention and intention continues.