“Revolutionary Gadget Breaks Addictive Screen Time Habit”
As I received my weekly screen time report last year, I noticed that the numbers were increasingly alarming. In an attempt to take control, I decided to set a daily limit of one hour for Instagram and TikTok on my iPhone. However, my efforts were quickly thwarted when I discovered that this limit could easily be bypassed with a simple click. The software I had relied on to curb my screen time habits had become utterly ineffective.
This familiar struggle is what prompted recent college graduates TJ Driver and Zach Nasgowitz to develop Brick, a novel solution designed to help individuals like me break free from the chains of excessive screen time. Brick offers a unique approach by allowing users to temporarily block selected apps and their notifications using a physical device in the form of a 3D-printed 2-inch by 2-inch square magnet. While essential apps such as texts, photos, or Google Maps remain accessible, Brick serves as a barrier against the impulsive urge to indulge in social media distractions.
Explaining the concept behind Brick, the website states, “With other solutions, the ‘key’ that re-enables distractions is always present. Brick allows you to leave that key behind, turning your phone into a new, distraction-free device until you return.”
So, how does Brick function in practice?
Setting up Brick is straightforward and hassle-free. By downloading the corresponding app and registering for a Brick account using my email, I initiated the setup process by activating my Brick through a simple tap on the top of my phone with the lightweight square magnet. Unlike some services that restrict usage to a single account, Brick can be utilized across multiple iPhones, offering flexibility for sharing among family or friends (note that Brick is currently exclusive to iOS devices).
Upon granting screen time access to Brick, the device gains the authority to block and unblock apps on your iPhone, allowing you to customize your experience through the creation of distinct “Modes.” These Modes enable you to selectively block specific apps based on your preferences. For instance, I created a Mode named “Get to work!” wherein I blocked access to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Activating these Modes can be done via the app interface or by physically tapping your phone on the Brick device. However, deactivating the block is a deliberate process that involves tapping your phone against the Brick, reinforcing the notion of intentional usage.
The transformative impact of Brick became evident from the very first day I incorporated it into my routine. Confronted with the realization of my compulsive social media habits, I recognized the need for a change. Accordingly, I established a daily practice of tapping my phone to connect with the Brick, leaving the device in my boyfriend’s office during working hours to minimize distractions. The effects were profound and immediate.
After using Brick consistently for over a month, I observed a significant improvement in my screen time habits. My weekly report reflected a notable reduction in phone usage,
