Apps letting users send digital messages at ultraslow speeds have surged, appealing to those seeking respite from constant notifications. One app, [PERSON_NAME], tracks a digital carrier pigeon en route to its destination. Delivery takes time, and there is a 0.2 percent chance the bird gets lost, costing 99 cents to replace. Users find this uncertainty refreshing compared to instant messaging numbness.

Launched in April, the platform recently grew past 75,000 users following a viral post. Meanwhile, Roost, which routes texts through animals like snails and owls, hit 650,000 downloads this month. Both apps tap into the slow-tech movement, intentionally adding friction to encourage screen disconnection.

Creators say their projects emerged from observing tech fatigue rather than copying one another. Despite fan speculation, both developers insist on independent design. These deliberately sluggish tools reflect a widespread pushback against hyperconnectivity, offering a necessary pause in an always-on digital world.