“Kind of chain you might wish to be off” has nothing to do with a physical chain. The NYT Mini clue instead refers to an intangible chain some consider annoying, and it can be counterproductive to getting work done.

Seven across clue. Image by Dot Esports

• Hint one: An everyday source of virtual communication.
• Hint two: It’s electronic.
• Hint three: Delivered to a box, usually.
• Hint four: It ends with “L.”

Time to run you through the answer and explain some of the clues in the process.