In this week’s Night Light, where I usually overthink situations, a conversation I recently had got me thinking about how technology and social media companies have completely infiltrated my life. I’ve also read a few articles recently that talk about how I’m feeling, an anxiousness when I don’t have my phone with me, and that’s a problem. Is big tech making us think that our lives are inconvenient, and that the internet can solve all of our problems?
Frictionmaxing Is The New Maxing
Frictionmaxing is the idea that we should embrace inconvenience and discomfort to build resilience in a modern world where technology is designed to eliminate all friction. Technology has innovated so rapidly over the past decade that it’s almost eliminated every inconvenience in our lives, from navigation to food delivery to social interaction and even creative writing. Everything is either being solved or has already been solved.
And I think AI is also becoming part of the problem, adding fuel to the fire by making us feel like we’ll fall behind if we don’t integrate it into our daily lives. Historically, technology has reduced friction, but it increasingly feels like we are more dependent on it as a society than ever before.
We Need To Touch Grass More
For those of you who remember, in September of 2025 we had our first great lock-in, which was about getting into a state of intense focus to achieve a specific goal. It feels like in 2026 we’re headed in a similar direction, with Gen Z and Millennials showing the most potential to disconnect from their screens. The biggest reason behind disconnecting is the desire to feel more productive, which is wild to me considering how much AI is supposed to be making us more productive. I’ve always thought that Gen Alpha or Gen Beta is going to be anti connectivity. They’re going to see how being chronically online has deteriorated society and rebel against it.
I’ve been seeing more reels about returning to analog, like notebooks, physical and retro games, cameras, and wristwatches. Do I think we’re all going back to listening to CDs? Probably not. But these feel like early signs that some of us may not be as reliant on technology as AI and algorithms assume we are. Physical devices like Brick, meant to block specific apps on your phone, have been growing in popularity, and I’d bet we see more and more people trying to detox from phone reliance in 2026.
Going Forward What Does This Look Like?
I’d guess we’ll start seeing people test whether frictionmaxing actually makes them feel better. Instead of immediately turning to Gemini or GPT to answer questions, brainstorm, or book a hotel, more people will try doing these things themselves, the way it used to be. With this, I think AI and algorithms will continue to fight for our attention, trying to convince us that we need them to function.
We’ve got a RAM shortage, which is making building and buying PCs a nightmare. We already lived through a GPU shortage, and now we’re seeing memory prices rise. It feels like if you didn’t build a PC last year, things are only going to get more expensive, with some people even predicting that PC rental companies will start popping up.
Many expect this to continue through 2026 and into 2027. Be kind to anyone looking to build a PC over the next few months.
Funko Has A New Member On Board Of Directors
Worlds biggest nerd joins board of other nerds.
Kai Cenat Launches Fashion Brand Vivet
Locking in to start a fashion brand is the energy we need in 2026.
Discord Is Going Public
Probably not the first company to go public this year.
