Gen Z App Blockers Are Taking Off
Gen Z app blockers are gaining serious traction. Young people are buying $40 devices to cut screen habits. Instead of deleting apps, they add friction.
For example, companies like Bloom and Brick sell physical blockers. These tools lock selected apps until users tap a card or device. As a result, scrolling becomes a choice, not a reflex. Bloom launched in 2024. The stainless steel card pairs with an app. Users pick which platforms to block and set time limits. They can also allow short breaks. Bloom cofounder Giancarlo Novelli says the tool helped his own focus. He compares short-form feeds to a “slot machine.” Apps like Instagram and TikTok use endless content loops. Therefore, many people struggle to stop. A 2025 study from the University of Alberta linked heavy social media use to anxiety and depression. However, effects depend on habits and patterns.
Analog Tools in a Digital World
Interestingly, Gen Z also loves analog trends. Vinyl records and handwritten notes are back. Physical blockers fit that shift.
New York lawyer Kristian Del Rosario says Brick improved her productivity. Tapping a device creates pause. In addition, she can still access messages for clients. Meanwhile, Instagram head Adam Mosseri has rejected claims of clinical addiction. He argues there is a difference between addiction and problematic use.
Still, many young adults admit screen habits feel overwhelming. Bloom has sold over 60,000 units. Yet critics question whether influencers promote blockers sincerely. Ultimately, the issue may not be social media itself.
The real challenge is automatic scrolling. Gen Z app blockers offer one simple fix: add intention before every tap.
