In 2026, the case for more friction

There is much that parents and techbros disagree on. The former are constantly trying to keep their kids gadget-free, the latter are working hard to keep them hooked. For parents, well-rounded growth matters, while for techbros, efficiency is the goal. But the thing they disagree on the most, perhaps, is the value of effort. To grow, one must step out of one’s comfort zone, say parents. The boys in Silicon Valley dream of a world where every “inconvenience” has been ironed out by technology: Doorstep delivery for food, groceries and craft supplies, a swipe to find a romantic partner, thinking outsourced to “intelligent” chat windows.

As 2026 kicks off, the scales seem to be tipping in favour of Team Effort, going by the trending of the concept of “friction-maxxing”. The idea is to bring back discomfort that leads to growth. In stepping out, sitting in traffic and wrangling with a waiter, instead of ordering in, one can learn patience and the ability to navigate environments one has no control over. In turning to the real world for connection, one makes room for serendipity and develops the fortitude to withstand rejection.

Reintroducing friction in a world bent on seamless efficiency may seem like a radical idea. But it is also an invitation: Life, with all its adventures, in all its unpredictability and chaos, is waiting.

Overall Analysis

The editorial explores a cultural tension between convenience-driven technology and the human need for effort, growth, and discomfort. It opens with a contrast between parents and “techbros,” using humour and sharp characterisation to set up a broader debate about values. The language is informal yet pointed, employing colloquial terms like “techbros” to subtly critique Silicon Valley’s obsession with frictionless living.

The author argues that modern technology increasingly eliminates effort, presenting ease and efficiency as ultimate virtues. This is contrasted with the parental belief that growth requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone. The editorial uses relatable examples—food delivery, dating apps, AI chat windows—to show how everyday life has been streamlined to the point of emotional and cognitive outsourcing. The tone here is mildly ironic, suggesting that what is marketed as convenience may actually be impoverishing human experience.

The concept of “friction-maxxing” is introduced as a counter-trend for 2026, signalling a shift in societal attitudes. The language becomes reflective and aspirational, framing discomfort not as a problem but as a tool for personal development. Everyday inconveniences such as traffic or interacting with waiters are reimagined as opportunities to cultivate patience, resilience, and social skills. Words like “serendipity” and “fortitude” lend a philosophical depth to the argument.

In the closing lines, the editorial broadens its message into a gentle call to action. By describing life as “waiting” with “unpredictability and chaos,” the author romanticises friction as essential to meaningful living. The conclusion is not prescriptive but inviting, leaving readers with the sense that choosing effort over ease is an act of reclaiming agency.

Important Vocabulary (5)

1. Friction – resistance or difficulty that slows progress but can lead to growth.
2. Serendipity – the occurrence of pleasant or valuable things by chance.
3. Fortitude – mental strength and courage in facing hardship.
4. Outsourced – delegated or handed over to an external agent or system.
5. Radical – far-reaching and unconventional; departing from the norm.

Conclusion & Tone

The editorial concludes that reintroducing effort and inconvenience is not regressive but essential for personal growth and richer human experience. It challenges the assumption that efficiency alone leads to progress and argues for embracing life’s natural resistance.

Tone: Reflective, mildly ironic, and quietly persuasive.