In an Era Where Adults Regress to Childlike States, Reclaim Friction — An Introduction to Friction Maximizing: The Happiness Theory of Intentionally Increasing Hassles

The Victory of Convenience and the "Emptiness" That Followed

Food arrives via apps, directions are automatically provided, replies are crafted by AI, and both schedules and suggestions are governed by the "shortest distance" principle. Yet recently, a phrase has become more common among those of us who thought we had achieved convenience: "Somehow... I don't feel fulfilled."

A short column in the British Guardian introduced a new term to name this "side effect of convenience"—**friction-maxxing**. In essence, it means "let's live more inconveniently." It may sound harsh, but the point is surprisingly realistic and urgent. The Guardian

What Exactly is "Friction-Maxxing"?

The Guardian's explanation is refreshing and straightforward: "It's what used to be called 'character-building'." In other words, it's a rebranding of the classic wisdom that "effort and difficulty pay off later." The Guardian

However, the focus this time is not so much on the muscle-building kind of perseverance, but onhow much of the friction erased by tech we can reclaim.

The catalyst for this term is an article in The Cut. It describes how tech companies make life itself feel cumbersome, leading us to a "digital cushioning room" for escape with a single tap. The more we get used to frictionless escapes like ordering dinner via Uber or replying with AI, the more returning to doing things ourselves feels "unbearably tedious." The Cut

Why is "ChatGPT" Being Criticized?

The Guardian article cites Uber Eats, ChatGPT, and location sharing as symbols. While they reduce time and anxiety, they sometimes remove theroot of accomplishment.

For example, if AI writes a school essay, "Congratulations, you've accomplished nothing." This irony may seem extreme, but it hits the mark. Accomplishment comes not just from the "result" but from theprocess of having done it yourself. The Guardian

In psychology and behavioral science, the "IKEA effect" is known, where people tend to value things they assembled themselves more highly. It's a phenomenon where effort enhances value and attachment. ScienceDirect

Additionally, the classic study of "effort justification (cognitive dissonance)" shows that some struggle strengthens the meaning of "this must be valuable." Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In short,friction does not always equal discomfort. Rather, friction can be a source of value and self-efficacy.

How Inconvenient Should We Be?—The Difficulty of "Drawing the Line"

Of course, "convenience = bad" is not the message. The Guardian article also argues that there's no need to reject inventions like automatic cars, refrigerators, or dishwashers. Discarding the benefits of inventions would be counterproductive. The Guardian

Therefore, the important thing is not the pros and cons of convenience, but to discernwhere the "sense taken away from oneself" lies.

• Parts that have become boring despite becoming convenient

• Parts where you somehow feel smaller despite becoming convenient

• Parts where only the sense of accomplishment has diminished despite becoming convenient

Only there, "restore" the friction.

The Cut's Suggestions on "Restoring Friction" Are Interesting

The Cut's suggestions are more amusing than stoic.

For example, "Ask children to run errands (including the friction of them doing it sloppily)" or "Invite people over even when the house isn't perfectly clean (including the friction of possibly being judged)." The Guardian

The point is that friction connects not just to "patience," but tohumor and tolerance. Once accustomed to friction, the world doesn't crumble as much as you think, and people are surprisingly kind (or you won't die from a little judgment).

SNS Reactions: Sympathy Centers on "Nostalgia" and "Recovery"

This topic has divided reactions on social media. The first noticeable response is one of empathy.

1) "A frictionless life is like 'ultra-processed food'"
On LinkedIn, a metaphor emerged likening friction-free living to a new "ultra-process," raising the question of whether convenience has become an "unhealthy that looks healthy." linkedin.com

2) Nostalgia—The Tangibility of "Pre-iPhone" Days
Another comment reminisces about the days before iPhones and iPads, when people "handled boredom during long car rides themselves" and "constructed maps and plans on their own," describing these memories as "rewards." Friction was not only inconvenient but also contributed to the density of memories. linkedin.com

3) Not So Much Anti-Tech as "Resilience Recovery"
There were also reactions like "sending letters to friends" and "resistance builds resilience." Rather than denying convenience, there's a desire toregain the muscle to withstand resistance. linkedin.com

4) Researchers and Critics: Friction as a Bulwark Against "Escape Technology"
A post on Bluesky by Data & Society summarizes The Cut's argument, stating that "the inclination towards friction is a defense against the allure of escape technology." Bluesky Social

5) Converging with the Context of "Going Analog"
In another blog, friction-maxxing is discussed alongside the trend of "going analog" as an air among the younger generation. Yap Year

Furthermore, a TV program (The Social) has taken it up as a discussion topic under "Would you go along with this idea?" indicating its spread as a buzzword. youtube.com

SNS Reactions: Backlash Against "Idealism Ignorant of Reality"

On the other hand, the backlash is understandable. The main points of contention generally converge into these two.

• Isn't "choosing inconvenience" only for those with the luxury to do so?
  Child-rearing, caregiving, multiple jobs, health issues. For some, convenience is not a luxury but an "infrastructure for survival." Overlooking this makes friction-maxxing seem like mere self-indulgence.

• There are "good frictions" and "bad frictions"
  For example, bureaucratic absurdities, discrimination, danger, exploitation. Increasing these types of frictions won't lead to happiness. The frictions to increase are only those that restore autonomy and relationships.

The key to avoiding this criticism is simple: rephrase it as **"restoring tangibility"** instead of "making things inconvenient."

So How to Practice It?—Start with "Small, Choosable Frictions"

If you're going to incorporate friction-maxxing into your life, starting with abstinence will lead to failure. The recommendation is to start with frictions that are "small," "reversible," and "choosable."

• Once a week, skip delivery and restore the flow of "shopping → cooking"

• It's fine to use AI drafts for replies, but add just one final word of your own

• Don't keep location sharing always on; return to relationships where you ask, "Where are you now?" The Cut

• Try directing your research first to "books, people, and the field" (endure not knowing)

A helpful hint here is the basic needs of "autonomy, competence, and relatedness" from self-determination theory. It's not that more friction equals more happiness, but fulfillment is more likely to arise when youchoose and complete things yourself. Self-Determination Theory

Conclusion: It's Not About Abandoning Convenience, But Regaining the "Tangibility" of Life

The Guardian article is lighthearted, but the question it poses is weighty.

Convenience has increased our time. But at the same time, it has also shaved off parts of thecontent of that time—accomplishment, failure, trial and error, awkwardness, dialogue, and serendipity. The Guardian

Friction-maxxing is a signal that says it's okay to "restore" those shaved parts.

The key is not to villainize convenience. While enjoying the benefits of convenience, secure some frictions that allow you to"return to being human".
That alone can make the same day feel a bit richer.