BrainRotAI - Stop Scrolling 🧠

A Chrome extension that combats endless scrolling by earning your access to time-wasting websites.

Quick Start

1. Load the Extension

   • Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions/
   • Enable "Developer mode"
   • Click "Load unpacked"
   • Select this folder

2. Configure Settings

   • Click the extension icon
   • Set your question interval and reward time
   • Choose between "1v1 Multiplayer" or "Single Player" mode
   • Add websites to block

3. Enable Multiplayer (Optional)

   • See FIREBASE_SETUP.md for Firebase setup
   • Or use Demo Mode (works without Firebase!)

Inspiration

We realized that willpower alone isn't enough to resist the dopamine hits from social media. Instead of blocking sites completely, we wanted to create a system that rewards mental effort—solve a quick math problem, quizz, you name it! to earn time to browse guilt-free. It's a fun way to make productivity feel like a game.

What it does

• Blocks addictive sites (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, Facebook) by default
• When you try to visit a blocked site, you're redirected to a challenge
• Solve the challenge correctly and earn 5 minutes (or more...) of browsing time as a reward
• Keeps track of your challenge score and current streak to motivate you
• Configure question intervals, reward time, and manage your blocked sites list
• Fun, playful interface that makes productivity feel less like punishment

How we built it

Tech Stack:

• Chrome Extension API (manifest.json, background script, content script)
• JavaScript (vanilla, no frameworks)
• HTML5 + CSS3
• Chrome Storage API for persisting user data

Architecture:

• manifest.json - Extension configuration
• background.js - Timer countdown, website blocking logic, message routing
• challenge.html/js - Math challenge UI with cartoony styling
• popup.html/js - Settings panel for users to customize experience
• style.css - Unified cartoon-themed styling
• content.js - Page injection logic

Key Features:

• Real-time countdown timer stored in Chrome storage
• Math problem generation with multiple difficulty levels
• Dynamic site blocking based on user configuration
• Redirect system to send users back to original site after challenge completion

Challenges we ran into

Redirect Logic - Storing the original blocked site URL and redirecting after challenge completion involved managing window/tab states

UI Polish - Creating a visually appealing, cartoony interface while maintaining usability across different popup sizes

State Management - Tracking score, streak, and settings across multiple pages and extension contexts

Accomplishments that we're proud of

• Created a cohesive, playful design with cartoon boxes, bold borders, and fun colors that makes productivity feel like a game
• Score and streak systems that genuinely motivate users to solve challenges
• No external dependencies, pure vanilla JS, minimal performance impact
• Seamlessly returns users to the exact site they were trying to visit after completing a challenge
• Works on different screen sizes; challenge page and popup both feel polished and intentional

What we learned

• Chrome Extension API is powerful but requires careful state management
• User customization (blocking specific sites, adjusting time rewards) is critical for adoption
• Small UX details (animations, emojis, visual feedback) make the difference between a tool that feels janky and one that feels delightful

What's next for Stop Scrolling

AI-Powered Difficulty Scaling - Adjust math problem difficulty based on user performance

Leaderboards - Share scores with friends and create friendly competition

Pomodoro Integration - Built-in pomodoro timer that syncs with browsing time rewards

Achievements & Badges - Unlock badges for milestones (100 correct answers, 7-day streak, etc.)

Focus Mode - "Iron Will" mode that locks users out completely during focus sessions

Customizable Challenges - Let users choose between math problems, trivia, or coding challenges

Built With

• css3
• hmlt5
• javascript