Yale student's Monk app turns productivity into a status symbol

A Yale student built an app to crush procrastination—now he wants it to be elite. Can Monk make deep work cool again? Early adopters swear by its brutal time locks.

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2026 March 19 . 1:04 PM

1 min read

The image shows a graph on a white background with text that reads "The Benefits of Increased... — The image shows a graph on a white background with text that reads "The Benefits of Increased Productivity Over the Last 35 Years Have Not Gone to the Middle Class". The graph illustrates the increase in productivity over the last 35 years, indicating that the benefits of increased productivity have not gone to the middle class.

Yale student's Monk app turns productivity into a status symbol

Yale student Collin Junus '27 has launched a new productivity app called Monk. Designed to combat distractions, the tool restricts access to time-wasting platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Junus initially built it for personal use but now aims for it to become more than just a utility—he wants Monk to be a status symbol.

Junus, who describes himself as a 'Worldbuilder,' 'Polymath,' 'Genius,' and 'Asian Batman' on his website, has a strong online presence. His YouTube channel, Collin The Chad, boasts 711,000 subscribers, though recent growth figures remain undisclosed. The app's name draws from the broader trend of 'monk mode' productivity tools, which emphasise deep focus and minimal distractions.

Monk's approach includes strict time limits on distracting apps, forcing users to stay on task. Fellow Yale student Proud Ua-arak '27, an early user, finds it more effective than other productivity apps. Ua-arak has even suggested adding inspirational quotes or morning affirmations to enhance the experience. Josh Chen '27, a friend of Junus, believes the app's paid model encourages commitment. Unlike free alternatives, users may feel more invested in sticking with it.

Monk's launch reflects Junus' ambition to blend productivity with exclusivity. The app's restrictive design targets attention collapse, a problem he faced personally. Whether it achieves status-symbol appeal remains to be seen, but early adopters already see its potential.