In the year 2025, it became increasingly apparent that our obsession with the internet had reached new heights. With the roots of the internet dating back to 1969 and the World Wide Web gaining popularity in the ’90s, we had reached a peak in the early 2010s where platforms like Twitter and Instagram dominated our digital lives. However, as we approached two decades of being at the mercy of The Algorithm, terms like “doom-scrolling” and “slop” had become all too familiar in our everyday lexicon.
The realization that we needed to disconnect from the internet became more pressing than ever. Setting time limits on apps like Instagram proved futile, as it was all too easy to ignore them and continue scrolling mindlessly. Like a character from a late-night infomercial, I found myself thinking, “There has to be a better way!”
It was during this search for a solution that I stumbled upon Brick, a small device that promised to help curb my internet addiction. With Brick, I could block access to specific apps and websites, forcing myself to physically stand next to the device in order to regain access. I promptly banned myself from Instagram and TheRealReal, two sites where I wasted countless hours scrolling aimlessly.
The impact of using Brick was immediate. I found myself enjoying social media-free weekends and disconnecting from the constant barrage of online content. When friends would share posts or Stories with me, I would simply explain, “I can’t see it! I’m Bricked!” This led to either screenshots being sent my way or the realization that the content wasn’t as important as I had initially thought.
As I embraced a life free from the chains of social media, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of being “bricked” – a term that held a completely different meaning in certain circles. Nevertheless, the sense of liberation and freedom that came with disconnecting from the internet was undeniable.
In a world where we are constantly tethered to our devices, finding moments of respite and freedom from the online world has become more important than ever. With tools like Brick, we can take back control of our digital lives and rediscover the joy of living in the present moment.
