If you’ve ever looked at your phone’s screen-time report and wondered where the day went, you’re not alone. Many people want to stop mindlessly scrolling but find it challenging to do so. Some Wirecutter staffers have found a solution: the Brick, a physical device that locks you out of the apps you choose.
In this episode, Elissa Sanci, a senior staff writer at Wirecutter, shares why the Brick worked for her when other approaches didn’t. She explains how putting distance between herself and distracting apps helped break the doom-scrolling cycle, how using scheduled “bricking” can protect your workday and mornings, and how families and roommates can share the same device.
The Wirecutter Show is executive-produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, Catherine Anderson, Rowan Niemisto and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor in chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.