Curving Digital Distractions: My Journey Using “The Brick” to Manage Social Media Time

📱 Introduction: The Social Media Addiction 📱

I spend way too much time on my iPhone and, more specifically, on social media. The battle against endless doom scrolling is an exhausting one, and despite numerous attempts at cutting back, my efforts only lead to short-lived success. Like many others, I have found myself deeply ingrained in the endless cycle of checking notifications, scrolling feeds, and losing hours each day to my screens. However, a small, literal solution called “the brick” has come to my rescue.

🧱 What Is “The Brick”? 🧱

This unassuming little square, which I like to call “the brick,” could be the answer to all my problems. The concept is both simple and ingenious: you scan this physical object with your iPhone to block the apps of your choosing, primarily the social media apps where I lose countless hours.

🛠️ Setup and Configuration 🛠️

– **Download the brick app from the App Store.**
– **Create your block list by selecting the apps you wish to limit.**
– **Receive a cautionary message if you attempt to open a blocked app.**
– **Notifications from blocked apps are also disabled.**

🚪 How Does It Work? 🚪

Once you’ve set it up, opening a blocked app prompts a rather frightening reminder that the app is a distraction, which is undoubtedly true. You cannot access the app until you perform a rescan of the brick. This means you can use your phone for essential tasks such as calling, texting, and hailing an Uber, while tuning out the unnecessary distractions temporarily.

📑 Different Modes for Different Needs 📑

One of the standout features of the brick app is the ability to create different modes:

• **Default Mode**: Blocks all social media apps when you need to disconnect completely.
• **Work Mode**: Keeps the necessary social apps for your job while blocking others that lead to procrastination.

🚨 Emergency Unblocks 🚨

A common concern might arise: what if you’re out and you desperately need to access a blocked app, but your brick is at home? Fortunately, there are five emergency unblocks available, allowing you to bypass the brick’s restrictions temporarily. However, using one of these emergency unblocks means you’ll need to be cautious about when and how often you deploy this lifeline.

🔒 Strict Mode for Maximum Control 🔒

For those who, like me, might attempt to bypass restrictions, strict mode offers an additional layer of control. Enabling strict mode means you cannot delete the brick app to regain access to your locked apps. This feature ensures even the most committed procrastinators uphold their screen time limitations. I personally prefer to keep my brick app on strict mode for that very reason.

🏠 Where to Keep Your Brick 🏠

Location is crucial for using the brick effectively. I keep mine on the fridge. It’s strategically placed far enough from my bedroom to deter late-night scanning but near enough to the front door to remind me to activate my blocked list before heading out for the day.

⚙️ Comparing to Native iPhone Tools ⚙️

There are indeed native iPhone tools like Focus modes and screen time limitations designed to help you manage your digital intake. However, I found these features far too easy to bypass, especially when your willpower is weak. The physical presence of the brick adds a layer of friction, making it less tempting to cheat.

⏱️ My Daily Routine with the Brick ⏱️

I have implemented a daily routine that includes the brick in key moments:
– **One hour before bed:** I scan my brick to deter bedtime scrolling.
– **One hour after waking up:** I wait before scanning back in, promoting a mindful start to my day.
– **During work hours:** I ensure only necessary apps are accessible to maintain productivity.

📊 The Results: Has It Reduced My Screen Time? 📊

The big question remains: has the brick actually reduced my screen time? The answer is a resounding yes. Previously, I spent an embarrassing 9 to 10 hours a day glued to my iPhone. Since incorporating the brick, my screen time has been cut in half, a significant and welcome change.

Here are some key changes I’ve noticed:

• **Increased productivity at work** due to fewer digital distractions.
• **Better sleep quality** with less pre-bed screen time.
• **Improved mental health** by reducing the overwhelming influx of information and the temptation of doom scrolling.

🤔 Is Downgrading to a Basic Phone an Option? 🤔

In my pursuit of reduced screen time, I have experimented with phones like the Nokia flip phone and the Light phone. While these drastically reduced my screen time, they are impractical for someone whose job revolves around social media.

💸 Cost and Device Compatibility 💸

One brick costs $50, and there are discounts as you buy more. It’s worth noting that currently, the brick works only with iPhones running iOS 16 or later. However, they are actively working on an Android version, so more users can benefit from this tool.

🔚 Conclusion: An Ongoing Journey with Technology 🔚

Setting boundaries with technology is an ongoing process. The brick has become a crucial tool in my journey towards a healthier relationship with my iPhone. As long as I stick to the mindful schedules and constraints the brick imposes, I find myself respecting my own digital boundaries more effectively. If you, too, are struggling with overwhelming screen time, the brick might just be the solution you need.

I’m curious to know—would you try the brick? Drop me a comment and let us discuss how you manage your screen time!