Hit that big red button for instant social media detox

Dangerous machines, like those that can quickly reduce you to a fine red mist or smoldering ash, tend to have a Big Red Button™ to stop immediately regardless of the threat. Well, if a machine more dangerous than social media had ever been invented, we don't know what it would be, which is why we're glad this social media kill switch exists.

The idea behind [Gunter Froman]'s creation is to provide a physical interface to SocialsDetox, a service that blocks or limits connectivity to certain apps and websites. SocialDetox blocks access using DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or, for particularly pesky and addictive apps, a service-specific VPN. The service requires a subscription, the cost of which varies depending on how many devices you want to protect, but the fees honestly seem pretty reasonable.

Although SocialsDetox can be configured to block access on a regular schedule, let's say if you want to make family dinner a time without socializing, there may be occasions when social access needs to be removed in this moment. That's where the Big Red Button comes in, which is attached to a Wemos D1 Mini. Hitting the kill switch sends an API request to enable or disable the service, giving you a probably much-needed break from the swirling vortex of hate and envy we all can't live without. Except for Hackaday, of course - it's absolutely not like that here.

The irony of using an IoT appliance to restrict access to social media is not lost on us, but you work with the tools you have. And besides, we like the physical interface here, which kind of reminds us of this proper case for a PiHole.