{
  "id": 12112899,
  "title": "I’ve rewired my brain with the Brick by weaponizing laziness — here’s why I think it’s an essential gadget for every home",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/ive-rewired-my-brain-with-the-brick-by-weaponizing-laziness-heres-why",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-05T08:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/ive-rewired-my-brain-using-the-brick-by-weaponizing-laziness-heres-why-i-think-its-an-essential-gadget"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For the past few months, I've been exploring digital detox escape routes. My urge is to immerse myself in nature, keeping my phone in a locked box and using only a satellite phone for communication. As a tech writer, my job involves working on a laptop and testing gadgets—devices that keep my hands occupied. However, my phone plays a significant role in my work, as many products now come with companion apps. When I finish working, my phone remains in my hand, as I instinctively check social media and respond to messages from friends. My pinky finger bears a small dent, indicating that this dependency might not be healthy. Like many people, I have screen time limiters on my phone, but I often exceed them. My iPhone's limit is set to three hours of social media daily, but I inevitably surpass it, usually by ignoring the limit. This limit is more of a suggestion than a strict rule, and I frequently disregard it. So, I wanted to temporarily remove my phone from my life. Locking it away in a box seemed like a suitable solution, but I didn't want to discard it completely—especially if emergencies arose. That's when I discovered the Brick, a smartphone access blocker that costs $71 and doesn't require a subscription. This device can help curb excessive phone usage and has reduced my screen time. The Brick operates by using a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip to send a signal to your phone, which, with the help of the Brick app, blocks specific apps or websites. This effectively transforms your phone into a basic SMS and call device. Once the Brick is used to \"Brick\" your phone, you won't have access to the apps you've chosen to block. To \"UnBrick\" your phone, you must return to the Brick and tap it. It's this aspect of the Brick that plays on your mental resilience. For me, it taps into my competitive nature and desire to beat the length of time my phone was Bricked each day. This motivation prevents me from giving in to the temptation to scroll through social media. The Brick can also capitalize on your laziness. Imagine you've left the Brick upstairs, but you're already on the sofa with your family after a long day. It's tempting to avoid the extra effort of climbing the stairs to tap the phone to a piece of plastic. Although understandable, this presents an opportunity to focus on your TV show or engage in meaningful conversations. The Brick also functions as a game. The act of tapping your phone to the device provides a dopamine hit—similar to making a purchase. Initially, I used the Brick frequently because I enjoyed the action of Bricking and UnBricking, but now I leave it untouched for hours at a time. The Brick's potential extends beyond individual use. Since a single Brick can be used on multiple phones, it can serve as a home gadget or a classroom tool, setting up child-safe barriers. Personalizing the device by blocking apps and websites without completely disabling the phone caters to individual needs. My initial skepticism about an unhealthy attachment to my phone was challenged by using the Brick. I had always believed I maintained a balanced relationship with my phone, engaging in both screen time and real-world activities. However, using the Brick revealed how often I reached for my phone daily. According to a report by Reviews.org, the average American picks up their phone 186 times a day, spending around five hours and one minute staring at the screen. I'm grateful for the Brick. Recognizing my unhealthy relationship with my phone has allowed me to live in the moment and appreciate the world around me. I no longer snap pictures of everything to post on my story, as I used to share my experiences with others. At first, I thought the 186 daily pickups were alarming, but reflecting on my phone usage, I realize that many of these interactions are superficial and don't contribute to my well-being. Maslow's hierarchy of needs focuses on essential aspects of basic survival, fulfillment, health, love, and belonging. None of these can be achieved through my phone. I can survive without social media, as my phone dying or lacking a charger wouldn't pose a significant threat.",
  "summary": "The Brick is the gadget that cured my scrolling addiction, and I think I could be the solution to solving the phone addiction crisis in young people too.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Tom's Guide",
        "title": "“This is the kind of gadget every household needs” — I tested the Brick smartphone blocker and here's what happened",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/this-is-the-kind-of-gadget-every-household-needs-i-tested-the-brick",
        "published": "2026-10-02T14:45:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}