A recent TikTok video of a woman using a clear acrylic phone in place of a smartphone has sparked debate over the potential benefits of reducing phone addiction. The video, which has garnered over 50 million views, shows the woman scrolling through her “phone” as if it were a regular device.
Many commenters initially assumed the device was a new Nokia transparent phone model released in October 2024. However, the actual purpose and creator of the device have been revealed in follow-up videos by Cat (@askcatgpt), who claims to have invented the concept with her friend.
The methaphone, as it is called, is a clear piece of acrylic shaped like an iPhone that aims to test if people can curb their phone addiction by replacing the feeling of having a device in their pocket. The device is sold out already, and its creator believes it may be a solution to help people reconnect with humanity.
However, not everyone is convinced about the benefits of the methaphone. Some commenters have questioned whether holding a physical object can actually reduce phone addiction or if it’s just a “weird party trick.”
Despite skepticism, research suggests that our addiction to smartphones might be more complex than we think. According to Dr. Mark Williams, a neuroscientist who spoke to news.com.au, notifications from devices activate the brain’s cognitive control network, diverting focus away from what we’re doing and potentially contributing to addiction.
The debate surrounding the transparent phone highlights the ongoing struggle with phone addiction and our relationship with technology. As Cat (@askcatgpt) asked in her follow-up video, “Have I used my phone less in the past week that I’ve been carrying this [the acrylic phone] around with me? Probably not. But what do you think?”
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/05/18/lifestyle/internet-baffled-by-bizarre-glass-phone