Frederik Riedel expected 12%. His app cut screen time by 57%.

Frederik Riedel, an indie developer with a prolific background of creating between 50 and 100 apps, developed an app called one sec as a personal solution to mitigate his own social media usage during COVID-19 lockdowns. The app, which prompts users to perform a breathing exercise before they can access social media, proved its effectiveness quickly, leading to a dramatic 57% reduction in Riedel's screen time and driving substantial growth through a viral tweet and strategic advertising on social media platforms. Partnering with the Max Planck Institute, Riedel conducted peer-reviewed research that validated the app's efficacy, leading to recommendations from therapists and collaborations with institutions like Stanford and Cambridge. To protect his innovation, Riedel filed for a US patent, a move encouraged by a Silicon Valley friend to shield the app from potential imitation by tech giants. Despite the challenges of patenting and managing a growing team, Riedel's app stands out in a crowded market with its scientific backing and unique approach to digital wellness.