Latest news with #CatGPT
Fast Company
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
It turns out TikTok's viral clear phone is just plastic. Meet the ‘Methaphone'
A viral clip of a woman scrolling on a completely clear phone with no user interface briefly confused—and amused—the internet. But the truth turned out to be far more literal than most expected. Originally posted to TikTok by user CatGPT, the video quickly racked up over 52.9 million views. In the comments, some speculated it was a Nokia model; others guessed it came from the Nickelodeon show Henry Danger. 'This looks like a social commentary or a walking art exhibit. I'm too uncultured to understand,' one user commented. 'It's from a Black Mirror episode,' another wrote. Turns out, it was none of the above. Just a piece of plastic. The woman seen in line is also the one who uploaded the clip. In a follow-up video posted days later, she shared the 'true story.' 'This is a Methaphone,' she explains. 'It is exactly what it looks like, a clear piece of acrylic shaped like an iPhone.' The 'device' was invented by her friend as a response to phone addiction. 'He told me that what he wanted to test was, if we're all so addicted to our phones, then could you potentially curb somebody's addiction by replacing the feeling of having a phone in your pocket with something that feels exactly the same?' she continued. 'This little piece of acrylic feels like a physical artifact that directly responds to this collective tension we all feel about how our devices, which are meant to make us more connected, are actually having the exact opposite effect.' A 2023 study by found that nearly 57% of Americans reported feeling addicted to their phones. Some admitted to checking their phones over 100 times a day, and 75% said they feel uneasy when they realize they've left their phone at home. In the comments, many questioned whether pretending to scroll on a chunk of plastic could actually help with phone addiction. 'This sounds like [an] SNL sketch,' one user wrote. 'What stage of capitalism is this?' another asked. Some were simply disappointed it wasn't a real phone. Despite the skepticism, the Methaphone raised $1,100 on Indiegogo. The campaign has since closed, though the creator says more may be produced if demand is high. Priced at $20, with a neon pink version going for $25, the Methaphone 'looks like a simple acrylic slab—and it is,' the page reads. 'But it's also a stand-in, a totem, and an alibi. It's the first step on the road to freedom.'
News18
20-05-2025
- News18
This $20 ‘Phone' Helps You Scroll Without The Internet
Last Updated: With its smooth, blank surface, this $20 device lets users simulate browsing without having to access any digital content. In the US market, a startup named Methaphone has come up with a novel way to combat phone addiction: a phone that looks and feels like a real smartphone. This simple device, which costs $20 (about Rs 1700), has a smooth, blank surface that lets users simulate scrolling without having to access any digital content. This device initially gained popularity after a woman was seen reportedly scrolling on a piece of glass in a TikTok video that went viral, leading to rumours of a 'new Nokia transparent phone." The object was later identified as a 'methaphone," a clear acrylic slab designed to resemble an iPhone and aid in the combat against phone addiction, according to Gulf News. As per reports, it is made of translucent, long-lasting acrylic that mimics the weight and design of a modern phone, providing a tactile experience for people who want to limit their screen time. In situations where users are tempted to reach for their phone, they can use the Methaphone to imitate scrolling. It can help people progressively lessen their reliance on their phones and become more conscious of how they use them. 'My friend is the inventor and creator of this. If we're so addicted to our phones, could you reduce that dependency by giving someone something that feels like a phone, just without the tech? Something that still fits in your pocket, still feels familiar?" CatGPT, an Instagram user, clarified in a video. 'Honestly, have I used my phone less since I started carrying this around? Probably not. But it's sparked conversations, and that's what really matters," she added. Shared on May 16, the video has garnered over 1 million views so far. Methaphone's Fake Phone: How it Works – Tactile sensation: Users can satiate their need to check their phones with the Methaphone's tactile sensation, which is comparable to touching a genuine smartphone. – Anxiety Reduction: It is claimed that users of the Methaphone can overcome their compulsive screen-checking behaviour and experience less anxiety. – Mindfulness: The device encourages users to adopt better behaviours and be more aware of how they use their phones. By substituting a physical, screen-free experience for digital interactions, the methaphone concept encourages users to reconsider their phone usage patterns. The purpose of this psychological experiment is to get consumers to think about how they behave and how their devices affect their lives. While some people praised the Methaphone as an innovative way to disconnect, others expressed dismay that it wasn't a truly transparent phone. The popular video has sparked discussions on digital wellness. First Published: May 20, 2025, 12:52 IST
NDTV
19-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
No Apps, No Notifications: US Startup's 'Fake' Phones Spark Buzz Online
In a bid to combat phone addiction, a startup called Methaphone has introduced a unique solution in the US market - a fake phone designed to mimic the shape and weight of a real smartphone. This minimalist device, priced at $20, features a smooth, empty surface that allows users to mimic scrolling motions without accessing any digital content. This device first came to attention after a viral TikTok video showed a woman seemingly scrolling on a piece of glass, sparking speculation about a "new Nokia transparent phone." However, it was later revealed that the object was a "methaphone", a clear acrylic slab shaped like an iPhone to help combat phone addiction, Gulf News reported. Made from durable, transparent acrylic, it replicates the weight and contours of a modern phone, offering a tactile experience for those looking to curb their screen time. When users feel the urge to reach for their phone, they can grab the Methaphone instead and engage in a simulated scrolling motion. This can help users become more aware of their phone usage habits and gradually reduce their dependence on their devices. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CatGPT (@askcatgpt) 'My friend is the inventor and creator of this. If we're so addicted to our phones, could you reduce that dependency by giving someone something that feels like a phone, just without the tech? Something that still fits in your pocket, still feels familiar?'' Instagram user CatGPT explained in a video. "Honestly, have I used my phone less since I started carrying this around? Probably not. But it's sparked conversations, and that's what really matters," she added. How it Works: Tactile Experience: The Methaphone provides a tactile experience similar to holding a real smartphone, allowing users to satisfy their urge to check their phone. Anxiety Reduction: By using the Methaphone, users can allegedly reduce anxiety and break the habit of compulsively checking their screens. Mindfulness: The device encourages users to be more mindful of their phone usage and develop healthier habits. The methaphone concept challenges users to rethink their phone habits by replacing digital interactions with a physical, screen-free experience. This psychological experiment encourages users to reflect on their behaviour and consider the impact of devices on their lives. The viral video has ignited debates about digital wellness, with some users praising the Methaphone as a clever way to disconnect, while others expressed disappointment that it wasn't a real transparent phone.
New York Post
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Internet is baffled by woman's transparent phone — and the explanation is even wilder
A recent TikTok video showing a woman 'scrolling' on a transparent phone has people scratching their heads. A woman named Cat (@askcatgpt) shared a TikTok video — which has now garnered over 50 million views — of herself standing in line at a boba tea shop holding what appears to be a clear piece of acrylic glass — in place of a smartphone. @askcatgpt Completely clear phone spotted in San Francisco on May 14…?!? Wtf?????? 🤭🤫 Link in bio for more deets. (NOT SPONSORED) ♬ original sound – CatGPT Cat seems to be treating the 'transparent' phone as if she were using a real smartphone, scrolling while bored, waiting in public. The text, 'I'm sorry WTF IS THAT?????' is on the screen above her. Many commenters were quick to assume it's a Nokia phone: 'Nokia transparent phone, released Oct 2024-ish time,' one person wrote. 'It's the new plex from Nokia,' another person chimed in. Many others were baffled by the bizarre tech. 'She's on a mission from the future,' someone wrote. 'Losing that would be a NIGHTMARE to find,' quipped someone else. The 'phone' she's holding actually exists. And while people can buy it — it's not for the reason most would expect. In a follow-up video, Cat provided more context: 'This is a methaphone. It's exactly what it looks like — a clear piece of acrylic shaped like an iPhone. But why does it exist?' She went on to explain that her friend invented it: 'He told me what he wanted to test if we're all so addicted to our phones, then could you potentially curb someone's addiction by replacing the feeling of having a phone in your pocket with something that feels exactly the same?' @askcatgpt I'm sending out a batch of methaphones to people who have ideas for (safe) social experiments they'd like to run with them— break it out on the subway? Show it to a 5 year old? Replace your phone for a week? The only catch is that you have to write or document your experience in a post online (e.g. blog post, medium, substack, YouTube, tikTok, Ig, etc) The goal is to keep the conversation going. If you're interested, fill out the super short survey at the link in my bio! Let's keep the conversation going! #tech #methaphone ♬ original sound – Noah Kahan Cat pointed out that the methaphone is sold out already. She also speculated why so many people were intrigued by her viral video, thinking it's because the piece of plastic 'feels like a physical artifact that directly responds to this collective tension that our phones, which are meant to make us feel more connected, do the opposite.' '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?' She asked her viewers. 'Do you think that a single piece of acrylic could actually start to help us get back in touch with humanity or is this just a weird party trick?' she continued. Many people in the comments of her follow-up video weren't exactly sold on the bizarre concept. The 'clear' phone is actually being used as a social experiment. TikTok/@askcatgpt 'Nobody's addicted to holding phones, they're addicted to the apps,' one person challenged. 'I was really hoping we were entering the glass cellphones era,' joked someone else. 'Sooo it's not a phone…end of story,' a disappointed commenter wrote. People might not be gung-ho on this idea, however, Cat and her friend might be onto something because a study from Amazon Kindle revealed that we're more addicted to our devices than we might think. 'Every time we receive a notification – whether it's a ping, vibration, or visual alert – our brain perceives it as something requiring immediate attention,' neuroscientist Dr. Mark Williams told 'This activates our cognitive control network, diverting focus away from what we were doing.'
