The Rise of Digital Detox: Ditching Phones is the New Trend

Entering the year 2026, many individuals have resolved to cut down on their screen time as part of their New Year's commitments. Among these solutions is Brick, a tangible device designed to obstruct specific apps on smartphones.

Reflecting a broader cultural shift towards reducing phone dependency, particularly within Generation Z, devices like Brick are gaining traction. I became intrigued by Brick, which costs $59, as an effective means to diminish my reliance on apps. Initially skeptical, my friends soon began acknowledging its merits after I enthusiastically shared the benefits I experienced.

Brick operates by connecting to your phone; once scanned, it blocks selected apps until the device is tapped again. This approach to minimizing screen time is emerging as a popular commitment, similar to the abstinence associated with Dry January.

This trend is particularly prominent among younger people in the U.S., who are already consuming less alcohol compared to older generations, making screen time reduction the new personal challenge. As noted by major publications, 2026 has seen an increase in digital detox initiatives, with simpler mobile phones gaining popularity as status items.

While alternatives like Opal, Padlock, and Freedom also exist, Brick has rapidly become one of the most notable products. Users have started to use the term 'bricked' to describe their time away from devices, echoing past references to offline living.

A Balanced Approach to Technology

Co-creators of Brick, TJ Driver and Zach Nasgowitz, drew on personal experiences when developing the device. As early smartphone adopters, they battled to resist social media's pull. This led them to create a solution that marries flexibility with structure, stricter than app blockers but less drastic than abandoning smart devices altogether.

Nasgowitz explains that Brick mimics the effect of leaving your phone at home while still offering smartphone functionalities. In contrast to more extreme options like the costly Light Phone, Brick provides a temporary tech retreat while maintaining necessary functions, such as two-factor authentication for work purposes.

Physically tapping the Brick instills discipline by locking apps—a deliberate act beyond mere screen toggling. If you inadvertently leave home without deactivating Brick, there's an 'Emergency Unbrick' feature, albeit limited to five uses before needing additional support.

A Catalyst for Other Goals

In addition to swearing off excessive phone usage, common New Year's resolutions among Americans include getting fit, cutting expenses, nurturing relationships, and boosting happiness. Research suggests that reducing screen time can act as a foundational habit, facilitating success in these other areas.

Personally, restricting my phone use made other objectives, like exercising and engaging with friends, more achievable. The tumble down the endless scroll rabbit hole became less of an obstacle, boosting overall well-being and happiness.

This rationale particularly resonates with those of the smartphone generation, who often find phones more hindrance than help when it comes to focusing and achieving goals. Nasgowitz notes that Brick's primary users fall within the 20 to 35 age range, individuals who are actively seeking self-improvement.

In parallel to Dry January, committing to 'bricking' your phone requires genuine dedication. However, for millennials and Gen Z who drink less and are heavily tethered to their screens, it may prove to be the more substantial challenge to undertake.