About DeRot and our editorial standards

We make a calm-down app for the apps that wind you up, and we write about the science of feeling settled again.

Who we are

DeRot is a small, independent team building an iOS app for wellness-minded people who scroll. Instead of locking you out of your apps, DeRot pauses your scroll mid-session and walks you through a 60-second calming breath, so you put the phone down feeling settled instead of wired. Our tagline is the whole idea: regulate, don't restrict.

DeRot is made by NinetyFourVentures LLC. You can reach us any time at [email protected].

Why we write

Most writing about phones and wellbeing is about minutes: how many, how to cut them, how guilty to feel. We are more interested in state: how scrolling leaves your body feeling, and the simple, well-studied things that help you come back down. The DeRot blog and our free breathing tools are where we share what we learn.

Editorial standards

Every article on derot.org is written to be the most useful, honest answer to the question it covers. Before anything is published:

  • Evidence first. Specific health or research claims link directly to their source, preferring peer-reviewed studies, university research, and major health organizations. We do not invent statistics, studies, or quotes.
  • Proportionate claims. Breathing techniques can help many people feel calmer. They are not a cure or treatment for any medical or mental health condition, and we say so.
  • Fact checking. Drafts are checked claim by claim against their cited sources, and links are verified before publication.
  • Safety notes. Where a technique involves breath holds or could cause lightheadedness, we say who should be careful.
  • No guilt, no fear. We write for capable adults. We avoid shame-based framing about phone use.
  • Updates. We revisit articles as new research appears and show the date of the last meaningful update.

How we use AI

We use AI tools to help research and draft articles, under the standards above. Automated checks verify sources, links, and claims against our editorial rules, and articles that fall short are not published. If you spot an error, email [email protected] and we will correct it.

Not medical advice

Content on derot.org is for general education. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. If you are struggling, please talk with a qualified professional. If you are in crisis, contact local emergency services or call or text 988 in the US.