I bought a $59 gadget called Brick almost a year ago. It blocks smartphone apps, and I didn’t expect it to change my life. When friends complained about their screen time, I’d point to the gray magnet on my fridge and share how I now start each night by blocking my email and internet apps until morning.
At first, people were skeptical. Now, some have started asking me about Brick on their own. It feels like this gadget is becoming a trend.
Recently, a shift in mindset has emerged—just like alcohol use is changing among younger people. More individuals are conscious about their screen time. According to a survey by the Wall Street Journal, there’s been an increase in digital detox resolutions, and The New York Times predicts that “dumb phones,” or those with limited internet, might soon be seen as trendy.
Brick is among several products aimed at reducing screen time. Others like Opal and Freedom are gaining attention, but Brick stands out. Users have started to say they’ve been “bricked,” much like how people once joked about being “offline.”
Brick’s founders, TJ Driver and Zach Nasgowitz, recognized their own struggles with social media addiction. They designed Brick to be less extreme than a dumb phone—useful yet disciplined. Driver noted, “We felt the problem strongly,” highlighting the urge for a balance between smartphone flexibility and limiting distractions.
The device requires you to physically tap it to unlock your phone. This adds a layer of effort compared to simply pressing a button. If you forget to “unbrick” before leaving home, you have five “Emergency Unbrick” options, which encourages mindfulness around your phone use.
Reducing screen time can help kickstart other positive habits. A study found that many people find it easier to stick to their fitness goals or spend time with loved ones when they limit their phone use. Personally, I’ve found that cutting back on my screen time has made me happier and more focused.
The trend resonates especially with Gen Z and younger millennials, who struggle to manage their tech habits. Nasgowitz pointed out that people aged 20 to 35 make up a significant portion of Brick’s audience. They are typically interested in self-improvement, blending their commitment to tech moderation with wellness goals.
As more people recognize the value in disconnecting, limiting screen time is becoming a new form of self-care. Rather than simply resisting one habit, it’s an opportunity to embrace a more balanced lifestyle.
