Notes on the spiral
Quitting the feed without quitting the app.
Apps That Remove Algorithmic Feeds From Social MediaYou don't have to quit social media to escape the For You feed. What each app's built-in options do, and which Android apps remove algorithmic feeds from Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X, Reddit and TikTok.
The Best Instagram Reels Blockers for Android, Honestly ComparedScrollGuard, AppBlock, Unhook, Fluid Friction, one sec, Reels Blocker and CherryBrew: how each Reels blocker for Android works, what it keeps, what it costs, and who it suits. Written by the CherryBrew team, with our own trade-offs included.
Block Instagram Reels but Keep Your DMsYou want your messages, not the Reels feed. Here is exactly what stays and what goes when you block Instagram Reels with CherryBrew on Android.
CherryBrew vs ScrollGuard, AppBlock and UnhookFour Android apps that block Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, four different approaches. How CherryBrew compares with ScrollGuard, AppBlock and Unhook on what they block, what they keep, permissions and price.
How to Block Instagram Reels on Android (and Keep Your DMs)Instagram has no off switch for Reels. Here are the three ways to block Instagram Reels on Android, what each one costs you, and how to keep your DMs and Stories working.
How to Use Instagram Without Reels on AndroidThe usual advice is to use Instagram's mobile website instead of the app. It half works. Here is why, and how to get Instagram without Reels on Android while keeping DMs and Stories.
How to Remove YouTube Shorts on AndroidYouTube has no setting that turns Shorts off. Here is what actually works on Android to get rid of YouTube Shorts and keep search, subscriptions and the videos you chose.
How to Stop Doomscrolling Without Deleting InstagramYou don't have a phone problem — you have a feed problem. Here's how to stop doomscrolling while keeping your DMs, your friends, and the app itself.
How to Turn Off Instagram Reels and Keep Everything ElseInstagram won't let you permanently turn off Reels. Here's what the app actually allows — and how CherryBrew removes the Reels tab and Explore for good while DMs and your feed stay.
Why Deleting the App Never Works (and What to Do Instead)Cold turkey fails for the same reason crash diets do. There's a third option between 'all in' and 'delete forever' — and it doesn't fight you.
What Doomscrolling Does to Your Brain — and Why You Can't Just StopInfinite feeds are built on variable rewards and missing stopping cues. Understand the mechanism and the fix becomes obvious: remove it, don't out-willpower it.