Onward is an app unlike any other app â it wants you to use it less. As they state on their companyâs MicroVenture page, âOnward combines data science and artificial intelligence (AI) to help smartphone users overcome their addictions and curb screen usage. Its specialized programs aim to change unhealthy behaviors related to screen time, social media, shopping, gambling, video games, dating apps, and porn. Through âO,â a chatbot that non-judgmentally interacts with each user through a familiar text/chat interface, Onward encourages users to complete daily check ins, gain new coping skills, block potentially triggering apps or sites, and gain help or interventions using cognitive behavior therapy, as needed. The company is backed with $3.2 million in financing from investors including Founders Fund, Compound Ventures, and Gaingels. As of October 2017, Onward had nearly 10,000 monthly active users.â Onward utilizes a freemium model and is available in both a basic (free) version, as well as a Pro (subscription) version.
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