Platform Docs
A local-first system for building and sustaining digital readiness.
Rooted Reality is three connected layers: a Desktop Companion that surfaces posture signals on-device, a Readiness Simulation that builds awareness before real-world exposure, and a Guardian Permit that bridges the two with supervised, evidence-backed progression.
Three-Layer System
Each layer has a clear role and connects to the next.
Layer 1
Desktop Companion
See your digital posture — on your device, not a cloud dashboard.
Runs locally on Windows or macOS. Captures foreground app shifts and browser activity via the companion extension, then surfaces posture signals: checking loops, social drift, context switching, late-night pressure. Guardian block rules are enforced via hosts-file sync — no cloud relay required.
Layer 2
Readiness Simulation
Build awareness in safe conditions before real-world exposure.
A hosted simulation layer that runs interactive scenarios — manipulative AI conversations, social pressure dynamics, financial trap patterns, and online relationship risks. Users practice recognizing these patterns without real consequences. The simulation produces a readiness result that can be exported to a guardian.
Layer 3
Guardian Permit
Supervised progression from simulated to real-world conditions.
When a simulation result arrives, a parent or guardian reviews the evidence and issues a permit that adjusts real-world access and visibility. Level 2 is the local desktop layer where permit conditions are applied — specific apps, time windows, and posture thresholds — with the guardian retaining oversight without constant surveillance.
Desktop Companion
Posture signals that stay on-device by design.
Foreground app and browser capture
Records which apps are active and which browser hostnames are visited. Nothing beyond hostname level — no content, no query strings, no form inputs.
Posture signals, not just totals
Translates raw event sequences into readable signals: checking loops, social drift, context switching, and late-night pressure. Totals miss how a session changed shape — posture signals catch that.
Browser companion (extension)
Shares hostname context with the desktop app via a local WebSocket connection. Enforces block rules without uploading browsing activity to any server.
Hosts-file enforcement
Block rules write to the system hosts file — durable enforcement that survives browser restarts and extension removal. Requires a one-time elevation grant from the user.
Readiness Simulation
Practice recognizing pressure before it becomes a real-world situation.
Manipulative AI scenarios
Chat simulations that mirror real AI companion and engagement-loop patterns, with branching that responds to user choices.
Social pressure dynamics
Peer pressure, group identity, and validation-seeking patterns modeled as interactive conversation flows.
Financial and risk traps
Sunk-cost traps, FOMO-driven decisions, and high-pressure close scenarios — without real financial stakes.
Guardian Permit
Evidence-backed progression from simulation to real-world conditions.
Review readiness evidence
A parent or guardian reviews the simulation result — which scenario categories were completed, where friction was applied — before issuing a permit.
Issue a supervised permit
The permit defines real-world access conditions: specific apps and sites allowed, time windows, and posture thresholds that trigger a guardian review queue item.
Desktop applies permit conditions
Level 2 is the local desktop layer. The permit conditions translate directly into guardian block rules and oversight settings — no manual setup required.
Visible, not hidden
The person under the permit sees what the permit covers. Guardian oversight is not covert — it is disclosed, bounded, and adjustable as readiness improves.
Account And Beta
Early beta — onboarding is currently invite-based.
Do I need an account to start?
Not during the current early beta. The Simulation can be tried without an account. The Desktop Companion and Guardian Permit require an account for license validation and recovery.
How do I get access?
Join the early access list. Approved participants are onboarded directly with a license token. Public sign-up remains closed while onboarding is curated.
What if I am offline?
The desktop app caches license status locally and continues operating for a limited offline window. Posture data stays local regardless of connectivity.
Are team or family plans public yet?
Not yet. Individual and family guardian flows are the current focus. Multi-seat team plans require a disclosure update before any public launch.