Viral ‘Transparent Phone’ Video: Is It the Future of Tech or Just a Piece of Acrylic?
A video circulating online shows a woman seemingly scrolling on a completely transparent smartphone. The clip, which went viral on TikTok, sparked curiosity and speculation about a revolutionary new device. But is it the next big thing in tech, or something else entirely?
The video, originally posted by TikTok user 'CatGPT' in May 2025, features a woman holding a clear, rectangular object resembling a smartphone while standing in line. The absence of any visible screen or UI elements led to a flurry of theories, ranging from a prototype phone to a clever digital edit.
However, the truth is far simpler. The object is not a phone at all. It's a piece of acrylic, dubbed the 'Methaphone,' created by CatGPT's friend as a way to combat 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?" CatGPT explained in a follow-up video.
The Methaphone aims to provide the tactile sensation of holding a phone, potentially reducing the urge to constantly scroll through apps. The creator hopes this seemingly simple tool can address the growing societal tension surrounding devices and their impact on our connectivity.
While the idea is intriguing, many online users remain skeptical. Some argue that the addiction lies not in holding the phone itself, but in the apps and content consumed on it. "Nobody’s addicted to holding phones, they’re addicted to the apps," one commenter pointed out.
Others see the Methaphone as just a piece of plastic trying to masquerade as something deeper. Despite the criticism, the Indiegogo campaign for the Methaphone successfully raised $1,100, demonstrating some level of interest in the concept.
The Methaphone is not the first attempt to tackle addiction by mimicking the associated behavior. For example, Fum is a device that replicates the feeling of smoking without the harmful chemicals. However, whether the Methaphone can truly curb phone addiction remains to be seen, especially given the pervasive nature of social media and app-based engagement.
Ultimately, the viral video serves as a reminder of our complex relationship with technology and the ongoing search for solutions to manage its influence on our lives. What do you think? Could a simple piece of acrylic help combat our dependence on smartphones? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
