Love this. You didn’t just build a Chrome extension; you built yourself a little act of resistance against the attention economy. What stands out isn’t just the tech (though the timer/cooldown logic is clever), it’s the way you utilized AI as a collaborator without relinquishing control. That’s the future right there: humans steering, AI scaffolding. Also, really appreciate how you documented the test cases; so many indie builders skip that, but it’s the difference between “neat toy” and something that actually sticks. Congrats on shipping your first extension and reclaiming your time.
Yeah, I've got a not so evil plan to see if I can do this type of stuff with all localized equivalents or alternatives to popular AI models and coding tools. I'll be writing about that shortly. Right now I'm still trying to get people to quit making AI first about tools first. It's the people dang it. And that's what I love about this post. It was a real solution built around a real problem and not a technology or a tool. Good work there!
What a fun and relatable read that scroll trap is too real! This is such a clever way to fight back, not with guilt, but with tools you actually own. Love that it’s not about productivity theatre, but about taking control in a very human way. Also fascinating how far one good prompt can take you - AI really is the new co-founder.
According to Statista, the average user spends nearly 2.5 hours a day on social media so even a “2-minute” nudge could reclaim serious focus.
Do you plan to open this up to non-coders who need the same help but wouldn’t know where to start?
This is awesome! 😄 I love how you built “2 mins only” just for yourself instead of trying to make a one-size-fits-all tool. Your breakdown of how Chrome extensions work is super clear, and the cooldown feature sounds great. Also, using AI to fill in gaps like UI and SVG icons is such a smart hack. Makes me want to try building something like this too.
This is so cool!! Inspiring me to tinker with some chrome extensions. It’s always felt like a whole new skill to learn but this has made it feel accessible. Bookmarking this for reference. Thank you!!
Cool! This post has inspired me to build my own Chrome extension, a custom bookmark + reminder tool. I run across so many links I want to revisit later, but they always end up buried in Notion or somewhere and I can't find them when I want them.
The dopamine hit from using your own tool must feel incredible...that constant, tiny reminder of your own agency.
Great build. I feel motivated to create my own version. Not because yours isn't good, but because the act of building it myself is likely half the purpose.
Love this. You didn’t just build a Chrome extension; you built yourself a little act of resistance against the attention economy. What stands out isn’t just the tech (though the timer/cooldown logic is clever), it’s the way you utilized AI as a collaborator without relinquishing control. That’s the future right there: humans steering, AI scaffolding. Also, really appreciate how you documented the test cases; so many indie builders skip that, but it’s the difference between “neat toy” and something that actually sticks. Congrats on shipping your first extension and reclaiming your time.
That's exactly why I decided to publish this article! 😃 Sachin: Enjoy this lovely and thoughtful comment!
I like this so much. I've been wondering about exploring AI enhanced Chrome extensions. You've inspired me. Thanks!!
I’m going to try building one myself! 😁
Yeah, I've got a not so evil plan to see if I can do this type of stuff with all localized equivalents or alternatives to popular AI models and coding tools. I'll be writing about that shortly. Right now I'm still trying to get people to quit making AI first about tools first. It's the people dang it. And that's what I love about this post. It was a real solution built around a real problem and not a technology or a tool. Good work there!
Now I’m curious about your upcoming post! 😄
Well, if you want to sneak peek, you can see my messy workbench over here:
https://github.com/deanpeters/aipm-laptop-llm-kit
It ain't pretty, but I'm learning a lot.
What a fun and relatable read that scroll trap is too real! This is such a clever way to fight back, not with guilt, but with tools you actually own. Love that it’s not about productivity theatre, but about taking control in a very human way. Also fascinating how far one good prompt can take you - AI really is the new co-founder.
According to Statista, the average user spends nearly 2.5 hours a day on social media so even a “2-minute” nudge could reclaim serious focus.
Do you plan to open this up to non-coders who need the same help but wouldn’t know where to start?
It is pending approval on the chrome store. For now you can get it from github here: https://github.com/sachin-aag/2-mins
Very delightful read! Thanks for sharing, Karen and Sachin.
You’re very welcome! 😊
This is awesome! 😄 I love how you built “2 mins only” just for yourself instead of trying to make a one-size-fits-all tool. Your breakdown of how Chrome extensions work is super clear, and the cooldown feature sounds great. Also, using AI to fill in gaps like UI and SVG icons is such a smart hack. Makes me want to try building something like this too.
When I received the draft, I was surprised by how accessible everything sounded. 😄 Sachin: Thanks again for such a fun submission!
This is so cool!! Inspiring me to tinker with some chrome extensions. It’s always felt like a whole new skill to learn but this has made it feel accessible. Bookmarking this for reference. Thank you!!
You’re very welcome! ☺️
Cool! This post has inspired me to build my own Chrome extension, a custom bookmark + reminder tool. I run across so many links I want to revisit later, but they always end up buried in Notion or somewhere and I can't find them when I want them.
Sounds like a fun project! I also know the pain of misplacing links...😆
Great piece
Thank you!
The dopamine hit from using your own tool must feel incredible...that constant, tiny reminder of your own agency.
Great build. I feel motivated to create my own version. Not because yours isn't good, but because the act of building it myself is likely half the purpose.
Yes 100%