Jack Dorsey’s Sun Day App: Tan Time Calculator
Jack Dorsey‘s New App “Sun Day” Tracks UV Exposure Amidst Gen Z Tanning Trend
Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and Block (formerly Square), has launched a new app called “Sun Day.” This app aims to help users track their UV exposure, a move that comes as a growing number of young people on platforms like TikTok are embracing tanning and seeking ways to optimize their time in the sun.
gen Z’s Sun Obsession and the Rise of UV Tracking
The trend of tanning among Gen Z has led to an increased interest in monitoring UV exposure. While the importance of sunscreen and preventing UV damage is widely recognized, with Google searches for related terms doubling in the past two years, tanning remains popular on social media.
On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, young users are openly sharing their tanning routines, showcasing bikini strap marks, and even creating “sun tattoos” – a practice that essentially involves intentionally damaging the skin.Some are also experimenting with makeup techniques like blush, bronzer, or spray tans to achieve a “sunkissed” or even a “sunburnt” look. A notable portion of this trend involves users actively tracking the UV index to identify the “best” times to tan.
The dangers of tanning and the App’s Potential Role
A recent survey by the American Academy of dermatology revealed a concerning statistic: over a fifth of young adults prioritize getting a tan over protecting their skin. Furthermore, one in four young adults believe that looking good in the present is worth the long-term consequences, even if it means risking future skin health. This is notably alarming given that just five sunburns can more than double an individual’s risk of developing melanoma.
Dorsey’s “Sun Day” app enters this landscape as a tool for those who wish to either actively seek or consciously avoid the sun. While the app is not yet available on the App store, a TestFlight beta is currently open for iOS users. The app’s code is also publicly accessible on GitHub, allowing for transparency and potential community contributions.
The launch of “Sun Day” marks Dorsey’s second new app in a week, highlighting his continued interest in developing new technologies. This particular app, however, may resonate strongly with Gen Z, who are increasingly engaging with digital tools to manage their sun exposure in line with their tanning habits.