Why We Created 6 Years
Life’s better when your phone helps you live it, not miss it.
The Problem
Like most people, we’d pick up our phones for “just a minute,” and somehow 15 minutes would disappear. Scrolling for hours a day, but not remembering what we saw three videos ago, and never feeling happy or satisfied after.
We tried everything: from productivity apps to Apple and Android’s Screen Time features. But the problem was always the same. The override button was right there. It was too easy to tap “ignore” and fall back into the loop.
Like most people, we’d pick up our phones for “just a minute,” and somehow 15 minutes would disappear. Scrolling for hours a day, but not remembering what we saw three videos ago, and never feeling happy or satisfied after.
We tried everything: from productivity apps to Apple and Android’s Screen Time features. But the problem was always the same. The override button was right there. It was too easy to tap “ignore” and fall back into the loop.
Like most people, we’d pick up our phones for “just a minute,” and somehow 15 minutes would disappear. Scrolling for hours a day, but not remembering what we saw three videos ago, and never feeling happy or satisfied after.
We tried everything: from productivity apps to Apple and Android’s Screen Time features. But the problem was always the same. The override button was right there. It was too easy to tap “ignore” and fall back into the loop.
The Solution
We wanted something stronger. Something physical. That’s how 6 Years began.
It started with a simple idea: what if you could leave your distractions behind, literally? A small Key you can leave behind or out of sight. When it’s away from you, your distracting apps stay locked. When you’re ready, you scan it and your phone opens back up.
We started experimenting with prototypes and immediately realized that, although it’s only a small tap, making the conscious decision to open your distracting apps changes everything. This, combined with no notifications coming in, gave us a feeling of relief. No more constant noise.
We wanted something stronger. Something physical. That’s how 6 Years began.
It started with a simple idea: what if you could leave your distractions behind, literally? A small Key you can leave behind or out of sight. When it’s away from you, your distracting apps stay locked. When you’re ready, you scan it and your phone opens back up.
We started experimenting with prototypes and immediately realized that, although it’s only a small tap, making the conscious decision to open your distracting apps changes everything. This, combined with no notifications coming in, gave us a feeling of relief. No more constant noise.
Why 6 Years
The name 6 Years comes from a number that shocked us. The average person will spend around 2.5 hours per day on pure scrolling, time lost to mindless phone habits. This adds up to a total of six years in the average person’s lifetime. We didn’t want our years to disappear into a feed, and quickly learned we’re not the only ones who feel that way.
The name 6 Years comes from a number that shocked us. The average person will spend around 2.5 hours per day on pure scrolling, time lost to mindless phone habits. This adds up to a total of six years in the average person’s lifetime. We didn’t want our years to disappear into a feed, and quickly learned we’re not the only ones who feel that way.
Our Mission
6 Years isn’t just about blocking apps. It’s about reclaiming time, the most valuable thing we have in this life. It’s helping people get more done, sleep better, connect deeper, live fuller and spend their attention on what truly matters.
If you’ve made it this far, you probably know the feeling too.
Here’s to living a little more, and scrolling a little less.
Maarten
Founder of 6 Years
6 Years isn’t just about blocking apps. It’s about reclaiming time, the most valuable thing we have in this life. It’s helping people get more done, sleep better, connect deeper, live fuller and spend their attention on what truly matters.
If you’ve made it this far, you probably know the feeling too.
Here’s to living a little more, and scrolling a little less.
Maarten
Founder of 6 Years
6 Years isn’t just about blocking apps. It’s about reclaiming time, the most valuable thing we have in this life. It’s helping people get more done, sleep better, connect deeper, live fuller and spend their attention on what truly matters.
If you’ve made it this far, you probably know the feeling too.
Here’s to living a little more, and scrolling a little less.
Maarten
Founder of 6 Years
