Analog-obsessed Gen Zers are buying $40 app blockers to limit their social media use and take a break from the ‘slot machine in your pocket’

Fortune

by Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Gen Z is embracing analog solutions to combat phone addiction, with app-blocking devices like Bloom and Brick gaining popularity. These tools, priced at $39 and $59 respectively, help users resist impulsive social media use by blocking access to apps during specific time periods or for set durations. By creating a physical barrier between the user and their device, these products aim to reduce compulsive phone scrolling, which has been likened to a "slot machine in your pocket" due to its addictive nature. The trend reflects a growing interest among young people in digital detox practices. Apps like Instagram and TikTok, known for their highly engaging content, have contributed to increased anxiety and sleep disruption. Studies suggest that excessive social media use can negatively impact mental health, with links to depression and anxiety. Products like Bloom and Brick provide users with the ability to set boundaries, allowing them to access apps only after consciously deciding to do so. This added layer of intentionality helps users break the automatic habit of doomscrolling. For instance, Kristian Del Rosario, a New York-based influencer and attorney, found that using the Brick device improved her productivity and sleep patterns by reducing late-night screen time. Similarly, Bloom cofounder Giancarlo Novelli credits the product with helping him regain focus, comparing modern phone use to the societal shift away from smoking cigarettes once its dangers became clear. These devices not only offer a practical solution to phone addiction but also align with Gen Z's preference for tangible, analog tools in a digital world. From a business perspective, the rise of these app-blocking devices highlights a growing market for products that cater to mental health and productivity. Companies like Bloom and Brick are capitalizing on the demand for tools that help users establish healthier relationships with technology. As the impact of screen time on mental well-being becomes more understood, such innovations are likely to gain even greater traction, offering both consumers and businesses new ways to prioritize focus and mindfulness in a hyper-connected world.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/13/2026