Digital Detox: The Brick Offers a Hard Stop to Scrolling

A new gadget called the Brick offers a physical solution to combat excessive smartphone use. This wireless device pairs with a mobile app, allowing users to designate apps and websites that will be blocked. To activate a "Brick" session, users simply tap their phone to the small device, and access is only restored by tapping back. The technology behind the Brick is Near Field Communication (NFC), similar to that used for mobile payments.

During a two-week trial, one tester found success using the Brick in the evenings and mornings, preventing late-night scrolling and morning phone checks. While effective for personal use, the device's utility during the workday was questioned if computer access to social media remained. The $60 cost has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a necessary tool and others as a consumerist response to a problem technology created. Free alternatives like Freedom and ScreenZen are also available.

Despite potential criticisms, the Brick has garnered significant positive attention, evidenced by a 4.9-star rating from over 33,000 reviews on the Apple App Store. One producer has used the Brick for about 1.5 years, blocking apps for approximately 12 hours daily, noting improvements in attention span and interactions with her child. The Brick is exclusively sold on its official website.