A Newfound Appreciation for Inconvenience: The Rise of Friction-Maxxing
In a world where technology has made life easier and more convenient, one writer is advocating for the opposite approach. Kathryn Jezer-Morton's article "In 2026, we are friction-maxxing" suggests that embracing hard work and imperfection can lead to greater happiness and personal growth.
Jezer-Morton argues that our reliance on tools like ChatGPT, location sharing, and Uber Eats has created a culture of instant gratification. By avoiding these conveniences, individuals can develop perseverance and resilience that is not easily replicated by technology. Instead of relying on AI to write school essays or automatically sorting laundry, one should instead take the time to engage in activities that require effort and dedication.
This new approach to life may seem counterintuitive, but Jezer-Morton claims it can have profound benefits. For instance, sending children on small errands without assistance can help them develop responsibility, while inviting friends over without cleaning the house can foster a sense of community and acceptance.
The concept of friction-maxxing is not new, however. Character-building activities like volunteering or hard physical labor have been touted as essential for personal growth for centuries. Jezer-Morton's take on this idea, though, is refreshingly candid: it involves embracing a life of imperfect convenience.
While some may argue that certain modern conveniences, like automatic gearboxes and dishwashers, are too valuable to give up, Jezer-Morton's point stands that these innovations have been developed over centuries to improve human lives. By striking a balance between the benefits of technology and the value of hard work, we can create a more fulfilling existence.
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on automation and digital solutions, it is heartening to see a writer like Jezer-Morton pushing for a different approach. Perhaps by embracing imperfection and friction, we can discover new joys in the simple act of doing things ourselves β and reap the rewards of a more meaningful life.
In a world where technology has made life easier and more convenient, one writer is advocating for the opposite approach. Kathryn Jezer-Morton's article "In 2026, we are friction-maxxing" suggests that embracing hard work and imperfection can lead to greater happiness and personal growth.
Jezer-Morton argues that our reliance on tools like ChatGPT, location sharing, and Uber Eats has created a culture of instant gratification. By avoiding these conveniences, individuals can develop perseverance and resilience that is not easily replicated by technology. Instead of relying on AI to write school essays or automatically sorting laundry, one should instead take the time to engage in activities that require effort and dedication.
This new approach to life may seem counterintuitive, but Jezer-Morton claims it can have profound benefits. For instance, sending children on small errands without assistance can help them develop responsibility, while inviting friends over without cleaning the house can foster a sense of community and acceptance.
The concept of friction-maxxing is not new, however. Character-building activities like volunteering or hard physical labor have been touted as essential for personal growth for centuries. Jezer-Morton's take on this idea, though, is refreshingly candid: it involves embracing a life of imperfect convenience.
While some may argue that certain modern conveniences, like automatic gearboxes and dishwashers, are too valuable to give up, Jezer-Morton's point stands that these innovations have been developed over centuries to improve human lives. By striking a balance between the benefits of technology and the value of hard work, we can create a more fulfilling existence.
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on automation and digital solutions, it is heartening to see a writer like Jezer-Morton pushing for a different approach. Perhaps by embracing imperfection and friction, we can discover new joys in the simple act of doing things ourselves β and reap the rewards of a more meaningful life.