As every corner of our existence gets digitized, screen addiction has graduated from an exception to a defining trait of modern life. Ask friends, family, or coworkers how many hours they spend on their phones, and the answers range from 3 to 8 hours daily. The author clocks about 4 hours a day - enough time to read a book, write an article, learn weather prediction, or call a loved one, but instead spent on the brain rot of social media and messaging apps.

After failing with time limits, app blockers, and browser-only social media, the author turned to Brick - a gray, magnetic square that uses NFC technology to lock users out of selected apps. Tapping the brick blocks apps like Messages, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, and LinkedIn until tapped again. The device offers five free emergency unbricks and a widget showing offline time, positively reinforcing disconnection instead of nagging.

Six months in, the author reports a 7% screen time reduction in the first week. Brick is used primarily at home - where doomscrolling peaks - and before bedtime, forcing a physical trek to the kitchen to unbrick. The device also helps curb anxiety-driven scrolling, encouraging gym trips or outdoor activities. Scheduling features allow automatic blocking, though the author prefers manual bricking for now.

One minor gripe: Brick doesn't handle time zone changes well during travel. But at $65 (currently $55 on Amazon), the author deems it a worthwhile investment for reclaiming autonomy from devices. The bottom line? Brick makes app access a privilege earned through patience, not a default state - and sometimes that's enough to choose a book over YouTube.