Woman in viral transparent “phone” video reveals truth about mysterious product

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In May 2025, a video spread widely online, capturing a woman waiting in line while seemingly using a transparent smartphone that had no discernible images or user interface as seen by the person recording.

The video, now widely shared on various social networking sites, initially appeared on TikTok from user ‘CatGPT’. Within only two days, it amassed an impressive view count of more than 26 million.

Immediately, viewers flocked to the comment section, eager to learn about the mysterious new see-through technology. Some speculated that it could be an unrevealed model of a forthcoming smartphone, while others believed it might just be a skillful manipulation.

Actually, it turned out that it wasn’t one of the options given. Instead, the transparent piece of plastic was simply a clear, plastic rectangle designed to resemble the texture and form of a smartphone.

Viral ‘clear smartphone’ isn’t a phone at all

In a subsequent video posted on May 15th, the woman depicted in the viral footage clarified the incident. She revealed that the transparent barrier she was standing behind was known as a ‘Methaphone.’

Based on a TikTok user’s statement, her friend invented ‘Methapone’ as an attempt to mimic the sensation of holding a smartphone, aiming to assist in combating excessive phone usage.

She pondered over his statement, which suggested testing whether people are so hooked on their phones that someone’s addiction might be reduced if they had an object in their pocket that felt just like a phone.

This tiny acrylic token seems tangible, reflecting the shared unease we experience regarding technology, ironically designed for connection, yet paradoxically causing disconnection instead.

Despite the belief that owning a physical ‘alternative’ phone might help, viewers remained skeptical that it would truly prevent them from continuously scrolling through social media doom and gloom.

“Nobody’s addicted to holding phones, they’re addicted to the apps,” one commented.

According to them, it seems futile. In essence, what you’re attempting is to give a profound significance to something as simple as a plastic item made from acrylic.

“Soooo, it’s a piece of glass,” another quipped.

The Methaphone was successfully funded on Indiegogo for $1,100 and since then the campaign has ended. Although it might be the initial phone-related tool designed to combat addiction that gained mainstream popularity, it’s not the first attempt at overcoming addiction by substituting it with a similar sensation.

Fum, on the other hand, is a tool designed to mimic the sensation of smoking but without any harmful substances or steam. It’s particularly useful for individuals aiming to break free from smoking or vaping habits.

While it’s uncertain at this point if the Methaphone will make a significant difference due to the widespread issue of social media addiction.

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2025-05-16 21:18