In the competitive world of wellness apps, “ZenMoment” seemed poised to rise to the top. Boasting guided meditations led by world-renowned mindfulness gurus, it promised tranquillity and inner peace. However, users were soon jolted from their states of bliss by an unexpected feature: mid-session ad breaks.
Jasmine Tranquil, a dedicated meditation practitioner, described her first experience with the app: “I was deeply immersed, visualising a serene waterfall, feeling the stresses of the day melting away. Then, suddenly, I was pitched a sale on non-stick pans. My serene waterfall became a waterfall of confusion.”
ZenMoment’s unique approach to monetisation did not end with cookware. Users have reported a range of intrusive ads, from speedy car loans to 2-for-1 pizza deals, all strategically placed in the middle of deep-breathing exercises and moments of silent reflection.
Founder and CEO of ZenMoment, Mark Cashenlighten, defended the decision. “In today’s world, moments of pause can be opportunities. Opportunities to discover new products, amazing deals, and innovative services.”
However, not everyone sees these “opportunities” in the same light. Meditation instructor Calm Waters voiced his concern: “The very essence of meditation is to detach from worldly distractions, not to be pitched a new brand of sneakers mid-mindfulness.”
While some users promptly uninstalled the app, others found unexpected benefits. Phil Hustle, a local entrepreneur, shared, “I started using ZenMoment to de-stress, but I ended up finding an incredible deal on office chairs during one session. My back has never been more at peace.”
In response to the backlash, ZenMoment introduced a premium, ad-free subscription. But even this move was met with criticism, as users felt the tranquillity they sought was now behind a paywall.
As the debate around ZenMoment’s ad strategy continues, one thing is clear: in the quest for inner peace, the modern world’s commercial interests are never too far away.