Using Home Assistant, adguard home and an $8 smart outlet to avoid brain rot

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Core idea & implementation

  • Thread discusses using Home Assistant + AdGuard Home + a smart plug button to allow 15‑minute “brainrot” windows by temporarily disabling DNS blocking for social/social‑media domains.
  • The plug’s physical button triggers the automation; a lamp on the plug blinks as time runs out, adding friction and a visible countdown.
  • Some suggest using AdGuard logs to instead power down devices that attempt to access blocked content.

Smart plug vs dedicated button

  • Several ask why use a plug instead of a Zigbee button.
  • Reasons given: the plug was already available; it’s mains‑powered; its physical inaccessibility is intentional friction; can power an indicator light.
  • Others note Zigbee buttons can run for years and might be more ergonomic; but inaccessibility is considered a feature, not a bug.

Bypassing & technical limitations

  • Multiple commenters note they’d quickly adapt by disabling Wi‑Fi, using mobile data, or a VPN; some share links to iOS “supervised mode” to block Wi‑Fi toggling.
  • Debate over network‑level blocking: DNS‑based blocking works well for many apps if router forces all DNS via itself, but DNS‑over‑HTTPS is harder to stop.
  • Some propose firewall rules, DoH interception, TLS inspection; others say tech solutions are always beatable by a more‑motivated self.

Alternative tools & setups

  • Mentions of NextDNS, Pi‑hole, GL.iNet/OpenWrt, OneSec app, Alfred DNS shortcuts, parental controls + time‑lock services.
  • Several prefer per‑device controls rather than network‑wide, or vice versa, depending on household needs.

Addiction, moderation, and mental health

  • One view: fully embrace bingeing on short‑form content until it becomes boring; others warn this is dangerous, especially for youth, and compare to advising binge drinking.
  • Many describe genuine addiction‑like patterns, including 5–10 hours/day of mindless content, and difficulty outsmarting oneself despite blockers.
  • ADHD, executive dysfunction, underlying loneliness/boredom, and lack of self‑regulation are frequently mentioned; some emphasize mindfulness, therapy, social connection, or habit substitution over pure tech fixes.

Phone dependency & detox

  • A popular comment lists graded “phone addiction tests” (leave phone at home for a day, weekend, trip, etc.), sparking debate over practicality, emergencies, and 2FA.
  • Some advocate phone‑free walks and vacations; others use smartwatches or dumbphones as compromises; turning off notifications is widely recommended.

Home Assistant & smart home practice

  • Many praise Home Assistant for vendor‑agnostic automation (e.g., door/window sensors as child/burglary alarms).
  • Preference for local control, PoE, VLAN‑isolated IoT networks, and avoiding cloud‑only devices; caution that cloud or custom integrations are the main source of HA breakage.
  • Some criticize YAML and “over‑complex” automation; others find building such systems itself a satisfying, grounding hobby and a valid form of self‑control.