Full Breakdown
Brick Devices Turn Smartphones Into Physical “Bricks” in the Anti-Doomscroll Trend
By Drooid · · How we work
The Brick Device: How It Works
Brick is a $59, battery-free gadget that pairs with a companion app. Users select apps to restrict, set schedules, and then tap their phone against the small puck to lock or unlock those apps. The device stays at home, so unlocking while out requires a physical trip to the brick. No subscription fees are required. Since its launch in fall 2023, Brick has become a visible symbol of the growing “digital detox” movement, which aims to curb the mental-health and productivity concerns linked to excessive screen time.
Early Adoption and User Experience
A New York-area writer tested Brick by blocking all major social-media platforms and several games, programming a 6 a.m.–6 p.m. work-day block and a nightly “sleep” mode after 9 p.m. The first morning, she attempted to open Threads at least ten times before sunrise, only to be stopped by the brick on the fridge. The constant urge to reach for the phone persisted throughout the day, producing feelings of awkwardness and anxiety during idle moments. Over three weeks, the cravings faded, and she reported reading news in the morning, finishing books on the commute, and engaging more with coworkers and friends offline.
Expert Perspectives on Digital Withdrawal
- “The impulse to reach for your phone becomes automatic and many people find themselves unable to control it,” — “The impulse to reach for your phone becomes automatic and many people find themselves unable to control it,” — Dr. John Puls — Dr. John Puls, psychotherapist, master’s-certified addiction professional, and adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University.
- “When someone first stop using their phone compulsively, there is essentially a withdrawal period,” — “When someone first stop using their phone compulsively, there is essentially a withdrawal period,” — Dr. John Puls — Dr. John Puls.
- “A lot of smartphone use is unintentional,” — “A lot of smartphone use is unintentional,” — Dr. Cort M. Dorn-Medeiros — Dr. Cort M. Dorn-Medeiros, licensed professional counselor, addiction specialist, and associate professor at Lewis & Clark College.
Both clinicians note that the physical barrier introduced by Brick can make users more aware of habitual scrolling and help them replace compulsive checks with intentional activities.
Emerging Impact of the Analog Push
Brick is part of a broader shift toward “analogue” tools—dumb phones, physical timers, and scheduled offline periods—that aim to restore intentionality to digital habits. Early users report reduced distraction, lower anxiety, and increased face-to-face interaction, suggesting that a simple physical lock may be an effective catalyst for lasting behavioral change.