Sammy Mousa, a 26-year-old law student in Hyde Park, uses a device called Brick to manage his screen time. The Brick, a small magnetic box, locks users out of certain apps, including Reddit and Instagram, until they tap their phone on the device again. This innovative approach aims to combat phone addiction by requiring a physical action to regain access to distracting applications.
Brick’s Development and Purpose by Founders
Brick was invented in early 2023 by childhood friends TJ Driver, 26, and Zach Nasgowitz, 27, who initially created the device in Nasgowitz’s basement. After gaining popularity, they relocated their startup to Chicago in 2024. The company now employs around 40 people, all of whom are users of the Brick. Driver stated that the concept arose from their personal struggles with productivity, noting, “We’d always kind of find ourselves back in these habit loops that we didn’t love.” They found existing solutions insufficient, leading to the idea of introducing “physical friction” to discourage mindless scrolling.
User Experience and Customization Options
Users can customize which apps to block through the Brick app, allowing for different modes such as work or sleep. For instance, Mousa’s default mode prevents access to Instagram, displaying a lock screen until he taps the device. Users like Peter Hohman, 32, who keeps his Brick in his car, find that the physical distance required to unlock apps helps them resist distractions. Hohman remarked that while he initially struggled with the idea of being offline, he recognized that excessive screen time was not how he wanted to spend his life.
Driver emphasized that the goal of Brick is to allow users to benefit from their smartphones while minimizing distractions. He stated, “We are very positive around tech. Our smartphones are this amazing tool.” The Brick provides a way for users to take control of their screen time, encouraging them to engage in more productive activities instead of mindless scrolling.
