In an age dominated by Silicon Valley’s pursuit of seamlessness, the concept of “friction” has become almost taboo. Yet, as technology continues to smooth out the rough edges of daily life, some experts argue that these very inconveniences might hold the key to a richer, more connected existence.
Picture this: it’s Friday night, and your fridge is empty. For the 3.5 million Australians with UberEats, a meal is just a few taps away. Entertainment, too, is at your fingertips—whether it’s scrolling through TikTok or binge-watching a series on a streaming service. Even personal connections have been simplified, with dating apps like Tinder and Hinge offering instant companionship. But is this frictionless existence truly beneficial?
The Allure of a Frictionless Life
Silicon Valley has long championed the idea of a life without friction, where technology eliminates the need for effort. This philosophy has given rise to a suite of digital tools designed to make life easier. Yet, as US author and economic commentator Kyla Scanlon discussed on The New York Times podcast The Ezra Klein Show, there is inherent value in life’s small difficulties.
“Basically, the idea of friction is that there is value in things being a tiny bit difficult,” Scanlon said. “When we use digital tools, there really isn’t a lot of friction. You can have this frictionless existence, whereas in the physical world, there’s a lot of friction.”
In a world fraught with challenges—rising living costs, environmental crises, and social unrest—escaping into a digital sanctuary is undeniably tempting. However, this retreat into convenience may come at the cost of losing the very experiences that make us human.
The Hidden Value of Friction
Dr. Tim Sharp, a psychologist and founder of The Happiness Institute, emphasizes that the small inconveniences of life—like walking to pick up dinner or striking up a conversation with a neighbor—are often where community and joy reside.
“When friction disappears, we miss some of the richest parts of life: serendipity, connection, and meaning,” says Dr. Sharp. “Positive psychology tells us that wellbeing is deeply rooted in relationships, engagement, and purposeful action.”
Indeed, embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth. As someone who recently celebrated two years of sobriety, I have found that pushing through life’s awkward moments has been instrumental in my recovery and happiness.
Reclaiming Human Connection
There is a growing movement towards reclaiming the human elements that technology often glosses over. From the resurgence of analogue culture to the popularity of community-focused activities like run clubs, people are seeking to reintroduce friction into their lives.
Andrea Carter, a Canadian organizational scientist, has explored the importance of friction in fostering a sense of belonging. She argues that our aversion to inconvenience has eroded our ability to connect and move through adversity.
“Right now, the biggest issue is we actually don’t have the infrastructure to move through [friction] anymore,” Carter notes. “Friction is now treated like a failure, rather than the cost of community, closeness, or belonging.”
This avoidance of friction, Carter suggests, contributes to rising loneliness and a decline in emotional intelligence. It creates a feedback loop that intensifies individualism and division.
The Ethical Implications of Seamless Technology
Beyond personal impacts, the frictionless ideal has ethical dimensions. Jakko Kemper, in his book Frictionlessness: The Silicon Valley Philosophy of Seamless Technology and the Aesthetic Value of Imperfection, highlights how digital conveniences often obscure their environmental and human costs.
For instance, the allure of fast fashion brands like Shein can overshadow the unethical practices behind their production. Similarly, the ease of using AI tools like ChatGPT can mask the significant resources required to power them.
Embracing Friction for a Better Future
The fictional world of Apple TV’s Pluribus illustrates the dangers of a frictionless society, where human complexity is lost in the pursuit of harmony. As Kathryn Jezer-Morton suggests in her article for The Cut, embracing “Friction-Maxxing”—choosing people over convenience—can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Ultimately, technology alone cannot save us. By injecting small doses of friction back into our lives, we can foster deeper connections and a stronger sense of community. As we navigate a tech-driven world, it’s crucial to remember that we are all each other has.
