WeWard, a fitness app backed by tennis legend Venus Williams, has introduced a novel feature called 'Walking Mode' that aims to curb social media usage by incentivizing physical activity. This innovative approach, as explained by WeWard's co-founder and CEO, Yves Benchimol, was born from a simple yet powerful idea: rewarding users for walking rather than scrolling. The concept was initially proposed by the company's head of growth, Tyler Chandler, who wanted to demonstrate the potential of AI-assisted coding. By integrating AI, WeWard has created a feature that locks access to social media apps until users reach a customizable walking goal, such as 3,000 steps. This approach not only encourages physical activity but also addresses the growing concern of excessive screen time and its negative impact on health and productivity.
The app's existing rewards model, which grants users 'Wards' for walking, is enhanced by this new feature. Users can redeem these points for various rewards, including cash, gift cards, or charitable donations. Leaderboards further fuel friendly competition among users. Benchimol emphasizes the app's focus on motivating people to engage in physical activities while reducing screen time, a trend he believes is beneficial for all age groups.
The app's popularity is evident in its global reach, with over 30 million users across 29 countries, including a significant presence in the US. The average user age is around 35, with a slight majority being women. WeWard's impact is notable, as it increases users' walking time by nearly 25% on average. Benchimol's vision is to create a digital environment where users earn the right to engage with social media, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle. This unique approach not only addresses the issue of sedentary behavior but also highlights the potential of technology to drive positive behavioral changes.
