In a world where social media is the new normal, a French fitness startup, WeWard, has taken a bold step to encourage physical activity by making users walk before they can scroll. The app, backed by tennis star Venus Williams, has introduced a feature called 'Walking Mode' that locks social media apps until users hit a customizable walking goal. This innovative approach is not just about promoting fitness; it's a commentary on the sedentary lifestyle that social media has fostered.
WeWard's co-founder and CEO, Yves Benchimol, explains that the idea came from a non-technical staff member who wanted to create a feature that rewards users for physical activity rather than screen time. The app's head of growth, Tyler Chandler, used AI-assisted coding to develop the feature within two months, demonstrating the power of AI in creating innovative solutions.
The 'Walking Mode' feature expands on WeWard's existing rewards model, which grants users in-app currency for walking. This currency can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or charitable donations. The app also includes leaderboards that encourage friendly competition. Benchimol believes that this feature will help people get into better shape, both mentally and physically, by encouraging them to move away from their phones and engage with their surroundings.
The Paris-based company has more than 30 million users across 29 countries, including 4 million in the US. The average user age is around 35, and 60% are women. WeWard's platform increases users' walking time by nearly 25% on average, which is a significant achievement. Benchimol views this as a positive outcome because the app's goal is to encourage activity away from phones.
In my opinion, WeWard's 'Walking Mode' feature is a brilliant example of how technology can be used to promote a healthier lifestyle. It's a commentary on the sedentary lifestyle that social media has fostered and a call to action for people to get up and move. The feature's success lies in its ability to reward users for physical activity rather than screen time, which is a refreshing change in the fitness app market. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative solutions like this one that will help people lead healthier, more active lives.
