I baulked at the idea of ‘friction-maxxing’. But there’s more to it than meets the eye | Gaby Hinsliff

2026-04-10 · Source: AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

Gaby Hinsliff explores the concept of "friction-maxxing," a trend advocating for more effortful, time-consuming, or analogue approaches to daily tasks as a form of resistance against pervasive technology. Initially skeptical, Hinsliff examines arguments from Kathryn Jezer-Morton, who coined the term, suggesting these "frictionful" activities—like cooking from scratch or meeting friends in person—are not genuinely hard but rather sources of meaning and joy. The article highlights a concern that AI tools, unlike earlier labor-saving devices, replace mental rather than physical labor, potentially diminishing critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills. Studies from Carnegie Mellon University, Microsoft, and MIT are cited, indicating that reliance on AI for tasks like writing may reduce cognitive processing, attention, and creativity, underscoring the idea that "your brain needs friction to learn." Hinsliff concludes that embracing friction in both personal and professional life is crucial for cognitive development, emotional regulation, and meaningful human engagement.

Key takeaway

For professionals navigating an increasingly automated world, you should critically evaluate the long-term impact of outsourcing mental labor to AI. Consciously incorporating "friction-maxxing" practices into your work and personal life can preserve and enhance independent problem-solving, creativity, and emotional resilience, rather than allowing over-reliance on AI to diminish your cognitive capabilities.

Key insights

Embracing "friction" in daily tasks and cognitive processes is essential for human learning, well-being, and meaningful engagement.

Principles

• Mental friction fosters learning and critical thinking.
• Convenience can diminish cognitive capacity.
• Effortful engagement creates meaning and joy.

Method

Consciously choose more effortful, time-consuming, or analogue methods for tasks (e.g., cooking from scratch, reading physical books, transcribing interviews manually) to stimulate cognitive processing and deepen engagement.

In practice

• Prioritize in-person social interactions.
• Practice active recall over instant search.
• Engage in manual transcription for deeper understanding.

Topics

• Friction-maxxing
• AI Impact
• Cognitive Processing
• Digital Convenience
• Independent Problem-Solving

Best for: Tech Journalist, Consultant, AI Ethicist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian.