EvilEye vs Opal: Stop Blocking. Start Choosing.

Q: Is this better than just using Apple Screen Time?

Yes. Apple Screen Time is easily ignored — the "One more minute" button is too easy to tap. EvilEye requires physical action (smiling) which is a much stronger psychological pattern interrupt. You can't sleepwalk through it.

Q: Why not just block the apps entirely like Opal?

Blocking creates "scarcity mindset," making the apps seem even more desirable. Our method lowers the desire by putting you back in the driver's seat. We want you to use the tools, not be used by them.

Q: Does the "Smile" feature really work?

It sounds simple, but it's based on behavioral science. You cannot smile and remain in a mindless, zombie-like trance simultaneously. The smile wakes you up. It shifts your brain from autopilot to conscious decision-making mode.

Opal treats you like a child by hiding your apps.
We treat you like a human by helping you master them.

Before EvilEye

People protected from doom scrolling by EvilEye

After EvilEye

EvilEye interrupts the addiction loop not with a wall, but with a smile.
Break the autopilot habit, choose your session time consciously, and stop being a slave to your screen.

Download App

Rated 5.0 on the App Store

The Problem

Why "The Opal Method" Fails Long-Term

You can't fight dopamine with a padlock.
Apps like Opal rely on External Restriction. They lock the door to your favorite apps, forcing you to use willpower to stay away. But psychology tells us that restriction creates craving.

The "Revenge Scroll"

When the Opal block ends, your brain demands the dopamine it was denied, leading to massive binges.

Block Apps

Delete App

The "Workaround" War

You eventually find yourself deleting the blocker or finding ways to bypass it because the urge wasn't addressed—only suppressed.

Zero Skill Building

If you delete Opal tomorrow, you are back to square one. You haven't learned how to use social media; you've just learned how to hide from it.

The Solution

The "Smile to Unlock" Neuro-Hack

Interrupt the loop. Reset the brain. Choose your time.

We don't block "evil" apps. We make them "conscious" apps.
By adding a small, positive barrier to entry, we shift your brain
from System 1 (Autopilot) to System 2 (Deliberate Choice).

Your Protector is Active

Your amulet is warding off digital distraction. To break the seal and enter, you must show a sign of joy.

Smile To Unlock

The Pattern Interrupt

You tap Instagram out of boredom. Instead of the feed loading instantly, EvilEye appears.

5 sec

The Physiological Reset

The app uses the camera to detect a smile. You must smile to unlock it.

Reopen Instagram

for

5 min

15 min

30 min

60 min

Stay Protected

Reopen Instagram

for

5 min

15 min

30 min

60 min

Stay Protected

The Conscious Choice

Once unlocked, you decide: "I want to use this for 15 minutes."

The Research

Science Says Blocking Backfires

Harvard research proves that suppression amplifies cravings. Here's the peer-reviewed science behind why app blockers fail.

Ironic Process Theory — Peer-Reviewed Research

The Harder You Block, the Stronger the Craving

Harvard psychologist Daniel Wegner proved through decades of research that suppression doesn't eliminate desire — it amplifies it.

Professor Daniel Wegner (1948–2013) — Harvard University faculty, Fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, founder of five areas of psychological research.

BLOCK CRAVE BREAK REPEAT

In 1987, Harvard psychologist Daniel Wegner ran a now-famous experiment: he asked participants to not think about a white bear. The result? They thought about it more than the group told to think about it freely. This counterintuitive finding launched one of the most important theories in modern psychology.

Wegner called it Ironic Process Theory. When you actively try to suppress a thought or behavior, your brain deploys two processes: an intentional operating process that tries to create the desired mental state, and an ironic monitoring process that searches for failures. The monitor ironically keeps the suppressed target more accessible in your mind. The harder you try to block something, the stronger the craving becomes.

"The very act of trying to suppress a thought makes it more likely to surface. Suppression doesn't eliminate desire — it amplifies it." — Daniel Wegner, Psychological Review, 1994

Studies confirmed rebound effects

30+

Years of replicated research

150+

Published papers

Opal's hardcore blocking is the digital equivalent of Wegner's white bear. When you forcefully block Instagram or TikTok, your brain's monitoring process fixates on the very apps you're trying to avoid. When the block ends, your brain demands the dopamine it was denied — triggering the exact binge behavior you were trying to prevent.

References Wegner, D. M. (1994). Ironic processes of mental control. Psychological Review, 101(1), 34–52. Wang, D. et al. (2020). Ironic effects of thought suppression: A meta-analysis. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15(3), 778–793. Daniel Wegner — Wikipedia Harvard Gazette — Remembering Daniel Wegner

Head-to-Head

Opal VS EvilEye

Two philosophies. One goal. Only one builds lasting change.

Features

EvilEye Winner

Opal

Core Philosophy

            Empowerment:
            "You are in control of this app."
          

            Deprivation:
            "You cannot be trusted with this app."
          

The Friction

            Mindful Action:
            A smile that requires a conscious split-second decision.
          

            Hard Block:
            A wall that requires willpower or payment to break.
          

The Outcome

            Mastery:
            You build the habit of self-regulation.
          

            Dependency:
            You need the app to stop you.
          

Flexibility

            On-Demand:
            Unlock anytime, but always with intention and a time limit.
          

            Rigid Schedules:
            Difficult to adapt if you need social media for quick work.
          

Psychological Effect

            Positivity:
            The smile creates a positive association with self-control.
          

            Frustration:
            Often leads to anxiety and "craving."
          

Pricing

            Free:
            Core features free forever. Optional premium for extras.
          

            $99/year:
            Expensive subscription required to unlock all features.
          

Got Questions?

FAQ

No fluff. No marketing speak. Just straight answers to the questions you're actually asking.

01 Is this better than just using Apple Screen Time?

Yes. Apple Screen Time is easily ignored—the "One more minute" button is too easy to tap. EvilEye requires physical action (smiling) which is a much stronger psychological pattern interrupt. You can't sleepwalk through it.

02 Why not just block the apps entirely like Opal?

Blocking creates "scarcity mindset," making the apps seem even more desirable. Our method lowers the desire by putting you back in the driver's seat. We want you to use the tools, not be used by them.

03 Does the "Smile" feature really work?

It sounds simple, but it's based on behavioral science. You cannot smile and remain in a mindless, zombie-like trance simultaneously. The smile wakes you up. It shifts your brain from autopilot to conscious decision-making mode.