We Attempted to Brick Our Phones – The Disturbing Consequences Will Leave You Speechless!

The evidence is mounting: excessive screen time is detrimental to our health. Scrolling endlessly can exacerbate stress and anxiety, disrupt sleep patterns, and even shrink the brain's gray matter. With smartphones designed to captivate us—offering bright visuals and rapid dopamine hits—many find it nearly impossible to resist the allure of social media, even when they intend to prioritize work, reading, or time with loved ones.

To combat this pervasive issue, a new digital wellness device known as the **Brick** ($60) aims to foster a more mindful relationship with our screens. Rather than advocating for a complete withdrawal from social media—where users can stay connected with family and enjoy light-hearted content—the Brick encourages users to set strict, non-negotiable limits on their screen time.

The **Brick** operates as a small magnetic square that syncs with a corresponding app on your smartphone. Users can select specific apps to block, whether that's indefinitely for platforms like TikTok or on a schedule, such as allowing access to Instagram only from 6 PM until bedtime. The device can also activate a “sleep” mode that restricts all social media, news, and email apps after 10 PM.

Once you're ready to commit to a digital detox, simply tap your phone to the Brick, similar to how one pays at a coffee shop. From that moment, you're effectively locked out of those distractions for either a set duration or indefinitely. Unlike the built-in settings on most smartphones, the Brick's restrictions are nearly impossible to override. The only way to regain access is to tap your phone to the device again. However, users do receive five emergency unlock codes upon app installation for urgent situations.

Curious about its effectiveness, three staffers from **Oprah Daily** decided to test the Brick. Their experiences shed light on the device's potential to combat habits like doomscrolling and mindless browsing.

Personal Experiences with the Brick

Shelby Copeland, Community Manager

The goal: Shelby acknowledged her tendency to mindlessly scroll through various social media apps, often sacrificing her quiet morning and evening moments to this impulsive habit. She aimed to reclaim that time.

What she loved: After using the Brick for two weeks, Shelby successfully broke her doomscrolling habit. She found joy in phone-free mornings, which allowed her to read instead of scrolling. The physical act of tapping the Brick made the process feel proactive, helping her establish healthier routines, including roller-skating after work. Even during unlocked hours, she felt less compelled to check her apps.

What you should know: While she experienced moments of FOMO when missing out on trending topics, she recognized that engaging online wasn’t essential to her happiness. Shelby preferred the manual tapping method over automated scheduling, emphasizing the importance of finding a personal routine that works.

Charley Burlock, Books Editor

The goal: Charley sought to break her habit of checking Twitter first thing in the morning, which often started her day on a negative note and left little time for self-care practices like exercise.

What she loved: Throughout her week and a half trial, Charley frequently encountered the Brick's lock screen, which made her realize how often she filled idle moments with mindless scrolling. The Brick helped her reclaim time previously lost to her phone, allowing her to read on public transport.

What you should know: Despite the benefits, Charley admitted that her time management issues persisted, acknowledging that her struggles were deeper than just social media habits. Additionally, she found the messaging from the Brick's interface somewhat chastising.

Sofia Lodato, Staff Writer

The goal: Although Sofia largely avoided social media, she was unable to quit YouTube, often losing hours to binge-watching content. She hoped the Brick would help her reduce YouTube usage during the week.

What she loved: After just a week of using the Brick, Sofia continued to utilize it long after her trial. The simple act of clicking the button served as a form of accountability, leading her to significantly cut her YouTube time and finally finish reading *Wuthering Heights*, a book that had been on her nightstand for months.

What you should know: However, she noted the gamification aspect of the Brick, which distracted her at times as she aimed to achieve "perfect" usage statistics. This conflicting focus on data sometimes detracted from her overall experience.

Overall, the team at Oprah Daily found the Brick to be an effective tool for managing excessive screen time, particularly when compared to standard smartphone settings. The tactile action of tapping the Brick serves as a reminder to pause and consider one’s digital habits. However, it may not suit everyone, as the device's strictness can feel punishing at times. For those willing to embrace the discipline, the Brick offers a promising way to reclaim time and foster healthier routines in an increasingly digital world.