Anti-Rot Apps
Try these apps to replace mindless phone use and scrolling.
Nov 18, 2025, 8:31 PM
Most people are already aware of the downsides of mindless scrolling, especially with the increasing amount of brain rot and AI slop filling our feeds.
But this post is not about app blockers.
We selected 6 apps to keep you entertained instead of mindlessly browsing social media.
Spark Puzzles
Art of Fauna
Vocabulary
NYT Games
Chess
Libby
Spark Puzzles (iOS, Android)
Spark offers a new puzzle daily, helping you learn something new from history, pop culture, science, and more.
You can play for free every day, with an optional subscription plan that removes ads and unlocks an archive of past puzzles.
Get Spark for iOS
Get Spark for Android
Art of Fauna (iOS)
A calm and relaxing puzzle game where you piece together artwork of animals while learning interesting facts about them.
The app is free to download and includes a welcome pack of 10 puzzles.
You can later choose to unlock 100 more puzzles for a one-time fee.
Vocabulary (iOS, Android)
Replace mindless scrolling with vocabulary scrolling.
Each swipe reveals a new word along with its pronunciation, definition, and an example.
With this app, scrolling becomes a way for you to learn new words and expand your vocabulary.
The core functionality of the app is free, while a premium plan unlocks additional features such as games, categories, and themes.
Get Vocabulary for iOS
Get Vocabulary for Android
NYT Games (iOS, Android)
You may not be familiar with NYT Games, but you’ve probably heard of Wordle.
Wordle is now one of the word and logic games part of NYT Games, alongside others like The Crossword and Spelling Bee.
These games are a fun way to keep your mind sharp.
You can play free daily games, but a subscription is required to access all games and past puzzles.
Get NYT Games for iOS
Get NYT Games for Android
Chess (iOS, Android)
The Chess app needs no introduction.
Play chess for free against computers, friends, or players from around the world.
An optional premium plan is available to unlock unlimited game reviews, puzzles, lessons, and more.
Get Chess for iOS
Get Chess for Android
Libby (iOS , Android)
With just your library card, you can borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more for free from your local library.
Libby makes reading accessible to nearly everyone, anytime and anywhere.
