Anti-Scroll

Inspiration

The inspiration for Anti-Scroll came from recognizing the growing problem of short-term media addiction and mindless scrolling. We noticed how platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are designed with autoplay algorithms that keep users endlessly consuming content without conscious decision-making.
The concept of using CAPTCHAs (traditionally used to verify humans) as a tool for digital wellness was inspired by the principle that sometimes the best way to break a habit is to make it slightly more difficult, not impossible.

What it does

Video CAPTCHA Blocker is a Chrome extension that automatically detects and pauses video content on YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels until users solve a Sudoku puzzle or traditional text CAPTCHA. The extension transforms mindless scrolling into mindful consumption by requiring users to consciously engage with a puzzle before watching each video.

How we built it

We built Video CAPTCHA Blocker as a Chrome Extension using Manifest V3
Core Components:
Content Scripts: Real-time video detection and blocking logic
Sudoku Engine: Custom SudokuCaptcha class with backtracking algorithm for puzzle generation
Background Service Worker: Extension lifecycle and message handling

Challenges we ran into

Dynamic Content Detection: Single-page applications like Instagram Reels don't trigger page reloads, making video detection tricky
Site-Specific Behavior: Each platform handles video elements differently - TikTok's autoplay behavior required special handling
Design: Making the CAPTCHA challenging enough to be effective but not so difficult that users abandon it and creating an overlay that's intrusive enough to work but not so annoying that users disable the extension

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Creating a prototype that actually works in a short amount of time
Kept it open to easily add new features in the future

What we learned

We learned the important tools of chrome extensions and how it can be implemented to enhance our safety, productivity, and enjoyment on the internet. During the creation of this project, it taught us to examine the different methods companies implement on their own websites and how we can work around these different websites.

What's next for Anti-Scroll

More personalized CAPTCHA options by leveraging ai to create CAPTCHAs relevant to the user. Ex. leetcodes for CS students, integrals for math, reading comprehension, etc
Mobile integration

Built With

• html
• javascript
• manifestv3