Modern digital communication lacks transparency about how people actually engage with their devices, creating unrealistic expectations of constant availability. This leads to social pressure, misaligned response times, and challenges in managing screen time—especially on platforms where real-time interaction is assumed but actual usage varies.

A Transparent Approach to Digital Availability

One approach could involve creating visibility into users' current engagement states with their devices and apps—going beyond basic "online" indicators. Instead of just showing when someone was last active, it could display:

• Active app usage (currently typing/scrolling)
• Device unlocked but app not in use
• Device locked/not in use

This would use existing device activity data with customizable privacy controls, letting users choose what to share (e.g., detailed status for close friends vs. basic availability for others). Unlike existing read receipts or last-seen timestamps, this would provide contextual awareness of how people interact with technology throughout their day.

Strategic Implementation Pathways

A potential implementation might start with:

1. A browser extension showing basic activity states
2. Optional integration with one social platform
3. Gradual expansion to mobile devices and additional services

The technical foundation could leverage existing device APIs for screen activity and app usage, focusing initially on coarse indicators that respect battery life and privacy. Standalone functionality might demonstrate value before seeking platform partnerships.

Aligning Stakeholder Benefits

For users, this could reduce communication anxiety by aligning expectations with actual availability patterns. Platforms might benefit from more meaningful engagement metrics, while digital wellbeing advocates could support features that promote intentional device use. Potential revenue streams could include premium analytics for teams or white-label solutions for platforms wanting native integration.

Compared to binary online indicators or private screen-time trackers, this concept bridges personal usage awareness with social communication needs—creating a middle ground between constant connectivity and complete opacity.