Modern workplace communication tools like Slack exploit our brain’s natural reward system, keeping us addicted to the constant stream of notifications, messages, and reactions. As a result, we find ourselves spending more time engaging with these platforms than doing meaningful work.

Dopamine, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone, plays a crucial role in motivation and learning. When we anticipate something new or exciting, our brain releases dopamine, providing a sense of pleasure and reward. However, when this system is hijacked by non-work-related interactions and distractions, it can quickly kill productivity and leave us feeling unfulfilled.

A study by RescueTime found that the average worker checks their email and messaging apps every 6 minutes, with some checking as often as every 3 minutes. This constant switching between tasks and the associated dopamine rush can lead to a phenomenon known as “attention residue,” where it takes time for our brain to refocus on the original task.

To break free from these false dopamine loops and regain control over our time, we need to eliminate distractions and focus on deep work. This is where Comms comes in. Comms is a communication platform designed to help users prioritize their inboxes, process messages efficiently, and minimize time spent in the app.

• Comms offers scheduled message delivery. By allowing users to set specific times for messages to populate their inbox, Comms enables users to free up blocks of time for deep work without the constant interruption of incoming messages. This helps users break the cycle of constantly checking their inboxes and falling into false dopamine loops.

• Comms' message hierarchy system helps users focus on what matters is through its. By using @, @@, or @@@ when mentioning someone in a message, users can indicate the urgency of the message. This allows users to prioritize their inbox and deal with important messages first, rather than getting sidetracked by less urgent or non-work-related interactions.

• Comms keyboard shortcuts and a streamlined interface to help users process messages quickly and efficiently. The goal is for users to spend as little time as necessary in the app, so they can get back to doing meaningful work.

In a world full of false dopamine loops, tools like Comms are essential for reclaiming our time and focusing on what really matters.