I’m unfortunately among the millions of people who have become hooked on TikTok, losing countless hours of productivity to 30-second clips of soup recipes I’ve yet to make, hair-growing products I’ve yet to buy, and gua sha tutorials I’ll likely never try.
Tired of spending my one wild and precious life staring at a screen, I decided to make a change. And thanks to Brick, a $59 gadget designed to block phone apps, I’ve actually been able to follow through.
A physical key to becoming distraction-free
As my weekly screen time report became increasingly alarming, I attempted to fight back by setting a daily one-hour limit for Instagram and TikTok on my iPhone. When I realized the limit could be bypassed with the click of a button, the software was quickly rendered completely useless.
This same struggle is what led TJ Driver and Zach Nasgowitz to create Brick, which allows you to temporarily block chosen apps and their notifications via a physical device that comes in the form of a 3D printed, 2-inch by 2-inch square magnet. You can still access the apps you need throughout the day — like texts, photos, or Google Maps — but Brick makes it harder to give in to the temptation of a quick social media dopamine hit.
“With other solutions, the ‘key’ that re-enables distractions is always present,” the Brick website explains. “Brick allows you to leave that key behind, turning your phone into a new, distraction-free device until you return.”
How does Brick work?
Setting up Brick couldn’t be simpler. After downloading the corresponding app and creating an account with my email, I activated my Brick by tapping the top of my phone on the lightweight square. A single Brick can be used with multiple iPhones — unlike your Netflix account, there’s no limit — so my fiancé was able to connect his iPhone to it as well.
I was then prompted to allow screen time access to Brick, which gives it the ability to block and unblock apps on the iPhone, and create my first “Mode.” You can create different modes to block different apps. I made one titled “Get to work!” and chose to block Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
You can activate these modes through the app or by physically tapping your phone on the square. However, you can only deactivate the block by tapping your phone against the Brick.
A swift change in habits
The very first day I used Brick, I was forced to come to terms with how hooked I’d become to social media. I caught myself unconsciously picking up my phone multiple times an hour to check Instagram or TikTok. It was a major wake-up call.
So I became diligent about tapping my phone to the little Brick every morning, leaving the square in my fiancé’s office so I wouldn’t be tempted. The effect was almost immediate.
I was barely picking up my phone during work hours and feeling far less drained after each day, no doubt thanks in part to quieting the constant stream of notifications. Even when I wasn’t using Brick on the weekends, I was checking TikTok and Instagram way less.
I still have plenty of work to do when it comes to untethering myself from the grips of social media, but Brick is definitely helping.
In fact, I’m using it right now.
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