A background script polls an $8 smart plug via its API to detect when it’s switched on.
When the plug is on, the script updates /etc/hosts to redirect distracting sites (Twitter, X, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit) to localhost.
The physical plug switch adds friction by requiring you to get up and turn it off to restore access, reducing reflexive visits.
This simple hardware-software hack helps curb brainrot by making distractions slightly harder to reach.
Get notified when new stories are published for "🇺🇸 Hacker News English"