If you’re struggling with how to cut down on your social media usage, a new Portland-based startup has an innovative solution that might just work. Dayo, a cutting-edge app that officially launched on April 7, 2025, incentivizes you to spend less time scrolling through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and others. In exchange for keeping your social media usage under control, Dayo rewards you with financial incentives.
How the Dayo App Works
In today’s world, it seems like we’re all stuck in a cycle of endless scrolling on social media. The more we use it, the more it’s designed to keep us engaged, sometimes to the detriment of our well-being. That’s where Dayo comes in.
Dayo has created an app that monitors your social media consumption and rewards you for staying offline. Here’s how it works:
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Track Your Social Media Usage: The app runs in the background and tracks your time spent on social media apps. It checks how much time you’ve spent on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more.
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Set Limits: You’ll be encouraged to keep your social media use under 30 minutes a day.
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Earn Rewards: If you successfully stick to the 30-minute limit, you’ll earn $5 in Dayo rewards, which can be used for discounts on products from brand partners like JBL, Rumpl, Ruff, and Yeti.
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Penalty for Exceeding the Limit: If you go over 30 minutes, Dayo will start deducting from your daily rewards. It’s a small penalty that reinforces the goal of reducing screen time.
These rewards accumulate in a Dayo wallet, and you can apply them towards discounted purchases on the Dayo marketplace. Rewards can go up to 40% off on selected products. If you think about it, the more you limit your social media time, the more you can save on items you actually need.
Why Limit Social Media Time?
Reducing social media consumption isn’t just about putting down your phone—it’s about improving your mental health and reclaiming your time. Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that limiting social media use to just 30 minutes per day can lead to neutral to positive effects on mental health.
There’s no denying that social media has its benefits—keeping up with friends, staying informed, and even networking. But the consequences of excessive usage are now well-documented. From sleep deprivation and anxiety to social comparison and diminished attention spans, social media can take a toll on our well-being.
With the rise of apps designed to hook us, many users have found it challenging to manage how much time they spend online. Dayo offers a solution by turning social media restriction into a game where everyone wins. By rewarding users for limiting their screen time, it’s like gamifying your social media detox.
The Backstory of Dayo: Who’s Behind the App?
Dayo was co-founded by Corey Scholibo and Patrick Triato, who both share a vision of using technology for good. As more research highlights the detrimental effects of excessive screen time, Dayo was created to provide a solution that aligns with both mental wellness and consumer rewards.
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Corey Scholibo, CEO of Dayo, believes that social media platforms were never meant to connect us but to maximize profit at the expense of our attention. He’s passionate about helping people reduce their reliance on these platforms and reclaim their time and focus.
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Patrick Triato, COO, helped bring the app to life, with a focus on making sure it was both user-friendly and effective in encouraging real change.
Dayo’s mission is simple yet profound: Reward users for using less social media.
Dayo’s Brand Partnerships and Growing Marketplace
Dayo is making money from its partnerships with brands like JBL, Yeti, and Rumpl, who offer products at discounted prices for users who stay committed to limiting their screen time. These partnerships benefit both the consumers and the brands:
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Consumers: Get discounts on products that they genuinely want and need.
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Brands: Gain access to a targeted audience of people who are trying to reduce their screen time and live more intentionally.
As Dayo grows, we expect to see additional features that will allow users to increase their earnings and make the app even more engaging. For example, peer-to-peer rewards and a Dayo debit card are both in the pipeline, giving users even more ways to earn rewards and save money.
Why Should You Use Dayo?
If you’ve ever tried to cut back on your social media time but found it nearly impossible, Dayo offers the motivation you’ve been looking for. Here’s why you should download the app:
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It Helps You Limit Social Media Use: The app tracks your time and encourages mindful usage, so you’re less likely to lose track of hours scrolling.
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Earn Rewards for Your Efforts: By keeping your usage under 30 minutes, you’ll earn discounts on products that matter to you. It’s a win-win!
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Supports Mental Health: Research shows that reducing social media use can help improve your mental well-being.
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It’s Easy to Use: The app runs seamlessly in the background, so you don’t have to worry about constantly checking in or manually tracking your usage.
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Future Features: With peer-to-peer rewards and a potential Dayo debit card, your earning potential only grows.
The Future of Dayo and Social Media Habits
Dayo is only just beginning, and its potential to reshape how we engage with social media is exciting. As the app evolves, it may include more incentives, such as cashback rewards or special offers for users who go above and beyond with reducing their social media time.
The rise of this app comes at a time when many people are seeking ways to improve their relationship with technology. Whether it’s young people struggling with digital overload or adults trying to regain focus, Dayo offers a fresh perspective on how we interact with our screens.
It’s not just about quitting social media—it’s about using it mindfully, and being rewarded for doing so.
Conclusion: Is Dayo Right for You?
If you’ve been trying to limit your social media consumption and need a little extra motivation, Dayo is a great tool to help you get there. It’s simple, effective, and most importantly, it rewards you for cutting back. By making this small change in how you interact with social media, you could see improvements in your mental health, focus, and overall well-being—while saving money on the things you love.
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