RESTORING WHAT TECHNOLOGY HAS QUIETLY TAKEN.
The Canary Project exists to help individuals — and society — reclaim attention, intention, and connection in an era of digital overload. Through interactive challenges, experiences, and conversations, we empower people to build habits that strengthen human presence and a healthy relationship with technology.
In coal mines, canaries warned others when the environment was becoming toxic — to inform of an undetectable danger.
Today, the danger isn’t harmful gas — it’s distraction, disconnection, and digital overload.
“ More focused on things that matter most. ”
"I feel more in control, not as anxious — especially in argumentative dialogue. I am now more focused on things that matter most, not trying to be focused on all things."
— Dean G.
The canary revealed the truth within the mine — and we are the canaries of our generation.
The Canary Project is a cultural revolution — and a challenge to think, feel, and live with intention again.
Discover More:
The Canary Challenge
Building A Healthier Relationship With Technology
Most apps ask for more of you. This one asks for less. Creating the Canary Challenge in the form of an app was an intentional choice and a reflection of our core belief: technology should serve human presence, not replace it.
Unlike most screened-device developments that compete for time and engagement, the Canary Challenge is designed to do the opposite—guiding parents, families, and households toward greater awareness, balance, and personal responsibility.
Through short daily tasks, evening reflections, and research-backed guidance, participants learn how technology shapes daily life and how to set healthier boundaries that strengthen attention, connection, and long-term well-being.
This app is not a contradiction of our mission—it’s a demonstration of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not at all.
Technology has transformed the world in remarkable ways. Our mission isn't to reject it—it's to help people use technology intentionally rather than letting it quietly shape their habits, relationships, and attention.
We believe technology should remain a tool, not become our master.
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No.
A digital detox is often temporary. It asks you to disconnect for a period of time before returning to the same habits.
The Canary Challenge is different.
Our goal isn't to help you escape technology—it's to help you build a healthier, more intentional relationship with it. Technology isn't the enemy. It's one of the greatest tools ever created. The challenge is learning how to use it without allowing it to quietly shape our attention, relationships, and daily lives.
When the Challenge ends, we don't expect you to use technology less—we hope you'll use it better.
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The Challenge is designed for anyone who wants a healthier relationship with technology, including:
Individuals
Parents
Families
Students
Educators
Business leaders
Faith communities
Organizations
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by constant distraction or simply want to become more intentional, the Challenge meets you where you are.
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The instructions for your daily task combined with your evening reflections take between 5–8 minutes.
The goal isn't to add another obligation to your schedule. It's to help you become more intentional with the time you already have.
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That's exactly why we created The Canary Project.
Most people don't believe they have an unhealthy relationship with technology. They simply recognize that life feels busier, conversations feel shorter, attention feels more fragmented, or they aren't as present as they'd like to be.
The Canary Challenge isn't designed to diagnose a problem—it's designed to create awareness. Over sixty days, you'll experiment with small changes, reflect on how they affect your life, and decide for yourself what is worth keeping.
You may discover that your habits are healthier than you expected. Or you may notice opportunities you never realized were there. Either way, you'll finish with a clearer understanding of how technology fits into your life.
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Most screen-time apps measure behavior.
The Canary Project helps change it.
Knowing you spent four hours on your phone yesterday doesn't necessarily help you spend less time tomorrow. Lasting change comes from understanding why we reach for our devices, building healthier habits, and replacing old patterns with better ones.
The Canary Challenge combines daily practices, guided reflection, research, and community to help create lasting habits—not just awareness.
Technology can tell you what happened.
Formation helps change what happens next.
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Absolutely.
Most meaningful change doesn't happen all at once. It happens through small decisions repeated consistently over time.
The Canary Challenge isn't built around dramatic restrictions or impossible goals. Instead, each day introduces one manageable practice designed to strengthen attention, presence, and intentional living.
Those small moments compound.
A phone left outside the bedroom becomes better sleep.
A device-free dinner becomes a meaningful conversation.
A few minutes of reflection becomes greater awareness.
Over time, those moments begin to shape not just our habits, but the kind of people we become.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT.
Canary is a culture-shifting initiative to help people:
Be present
Think deeply
Connect meaningfully
Live intentionally
Learn how to use your device, not let it use you.
