The Rise of Phone Bricking: a Trend Against FOMO and Doomscrolling

WHO:

NY Post - Individuals participating in the trend of "phone bricking" to combat FOMO and doomscrolling.

WHAT:

NY Post - The trend of "phone bricking" involves intentionally disabling smartphones to reduce screen time and promote mental wellness.

NY Post - The article discusses the growing popularity of logging off from digital devices as a wellness craze.

WHERE:

NY Post - The trend is observed among users in various locations, though specific locations are not detailed in the article.

WHEN:

NY Post - The article does not provide specific dates for the trend's emergence but discusses its current relevance.

WHY:

NY Post - The motivation behind "phone bricking" is to combat feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) and the negative effects of doomscrolling.

HOW:

NY Post - "Phone bricking" is achieved by disabling phones or using features that limit access to apps and notifications.

(UPDATED September 22, 2026 07:08 UTC)

A new trend called "phone bricking" is gaining traction as individuals intentionally disable their smartphones to combat feelings of FOMO and reduce doomscrolling. This movement, which promotes mental wellness, is becoming increasingly popular among users in various locations, although specific areas weren't mentioned. Participants are using methods like disabling their phones or limiting access to apps and notifications to log off from digital devices and embrace a healthier lifestyle.