Digital distractions are harming Gen Z’s ability to learn, with 60% of teens having neglected school work due to the allure of their smartphones. By offering a range of steadily increasing rewards, the Hold app is giving students a reason to put down their devices and concentrate in the classroom.

There have been countless headlines about the dangers of smartphone addiction, but what benefits could these devices have on our mental state? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Shiri Melumad, a marketing professor at the Wharton School, about how our phones can provide comfort in times of stress.

As people become more mindful of endless scrolling and smartphone usage, they’re asking whether brands are doing enough to help them curb these habits. Blloc’s Ratio is an Android launcher that creates a streamlined and simplified UX, keeping users in control of their screen time.

Distractions abound in the age of the smartphone as work emails, social media notifications, and news updates keep people glued to their devices. The Thrive Away app is helping people regain control of their digital lives and set healthy boundaries by screening all incoming mobile activity.