Why are we seeing film cameras, vinyl records and even fountain pens on our feeds? Is the definition of “cool” shifting? Are we starting to realize that when everything is automated, we become background characters in our own lives?
This feature by Darshi Patni explores a growing rebellion: Friction-maxxing. It’s the choice to take the “hard way” on purpose. Whether it’s struggling to learn an instrument or writing an answer on our own, these are acts of voluntary effort, and we’re doing it to keep the human in us alive.