Like a lot of people, I found that traditional site blockers don’t really work long term. You install them with good intentions, but when you feel the urge to check social media or news feeds, it’s easy to just disable the blocker.
The real issue isn’t access it’s habit and impulse. I wanted to experiment with a different approach: instead of simply blocking distracting sites, what if resisting them actually became a small game?
That idea became Hardmode. You can block the sites that usually trigger doom-scrolling, but instead of just denying access, the extension turns focus into a progression system. The longer you stay away from those sites, the more experience you gain, levels you unlock, and achievements you earn. If you break and visit a blocked site, you lose progress.
The goal is to create a small psychological incentive to stay focused. Humans respond strongly to progress bars, streaks, and leveling systems, so Hardmode uses those mechanics to reinforce better habits rather than relying purely on restriction.
It’s a small experiment in using game mechanics to fight doom-scrolling instead of just trying to block it.
