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Touchgrass, non-addictive social network, Fediverse and bsky-compatible

Touchgrass, non-addictive social network, Fediverse and bsky-compatible

by nielsdecoster·Jul 30, 2026·2 points·0 comments

AI Analysis

MidBold BetCozy

No infinite scroll or algorithmic feeds, but another Mastodon client in a crowded space.

Strengths
  • Explicitly bans autoplay videos and public like counts to reduce dopamine loops.
  • Imports contacts and history from Bluesky and Mastodon to ease migration pain.
  • Supports data export to SolidPod and ActivityPods for true ownership.
Weaknesses
  • Relies on users voluntarily choosing a 'boring' interface over engaging algorithms.
  • The 'friends-first' model struggles against the network effects of existing silos.
Category
Target Audience

Users seeking a healthier alternative to mainstream social media

Similar To

Mastodon · Bluesky · Pixelfed

Post Description

Hi guys

I'm trying to build a very opinionated social network interface, on top of the existing Fediverse and ATProto protocols, meaning people who are already on Mastodon, Bluesky, Pixelfed, etc. can just link their accounts; but the interface is fully based on non-addictive patterns.

It started because I was way too addicted to social media myself and found myself scrolling Reels for hours on end. So I had to delete Facebook and Instagram. But I do want to be able to follow the life of the people that are important to me. I researched "the perfect product" for me and found two avenues: the protocols and the niche networks.

The protocols (ActivityPub/Fediverse & ATProto/Atmosphere) are very useful because they break silo's, but the interfaces currently built on them are not what I was looking for. They mimic Twitter and Instagram, while I was more interested in a true friend-focused, less content-focused interface. More classic Facebook, basically. Some niche apps were good too, but they just have too limited a user base, and I'll never be able to convince everyone to join one of those. I also have no clue where their development will go in the future. In the end, I did like early Facebook and Instagram. It's just the enshittified versions that I despise. so I was really looking at this in a way that if I get tired of the platform itself, I (and all users) can move, without having to lose my contacts and content again.

So that's why I'm trying to build something where you can follow already existing Mastodon, Pixelfed, Bluesky, etc. accounts and see their content directly in your feed; without having to be too concerned about protocols and servers as a user, as this is clearly a blocking point for many people.

So therefor: https://touchgrass.network

If people want to try and join and give real user feedback, that would be extremely helpful. I feel like I'm too deep into it to really look at it with fresh eyes. Even if it's just the onboarding process. Any advice and feedback would be great.

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