Most site blockers have a binary approach: block the domain or don't.
That never worked for me as a developer because I actually need YouTube for tutorials, conference talks, and documentation videos. I just don't need the Home feed, Shorts, and recommendations pulling me into a 45-minute rabbit hole.
So when I built Monk Mode for Mac, I focused on feed-level blocking instead of domain-level blocking.
How it works
Monk Mode blocks the attention-trapping parts of sites without killing the useful parts:
- YouTube: Home feed and Shorts are blocked. Direct video URLs still work.
- X/Twitter: For You feed is blocked. Profiles, search, and direct links still work.
- Other sites: You set your own rules — full block or feed-specific.
Why this distinction matters
Feeds are engineered to capture attention. They use recommendation algorithms designed to maximize time-on-site. A specific video URL is usually an intentional visit — you went there for a reason.
The difference between "I need to watch this React tutorial" and "I'll just check what's on YouTube real quick" is the difference between intentional and algorithmic browsing.
Monk Mode enforces that distinction automatically.
Other features
- Focus sessions with enforcement (can't just toggle it off on a whim)
- Daily website limits (e.g., 30 min of YouTube per day)
- Focus profiles for different work modes
- Menu bar task capture so you don't context-switch to a notes app
Details
- $15 one-time — no subscription
- macOS 13+, Apple Silicon native
- Built by a solo dev who needed it for himself
If you're a developer who struggles with feed-driven distraction during deep work sessions, I'd genuinely appreciate feedback:
Top comments (0)