8 cards
Friction-maxxing (n.) is deliberately choosing slower, less convenient ways of doing everyday things to resist dependence on technology.
Friction-maxxing (n.) is buying a paper map, then posting a video of yourself unfolding it.
Friction-maxxing (n.) is your grandmother's entire life, rebranded as a wellness challenge.
Friction-maxxing (n.) is boredom, deliberately reinstalled.
Friction-maxxing (n.) is Silicon Valley removing every obstacle, then selling the obstacles back as a lifestyle.
The "-maxxing" suffix comes from incel forums' "looksmaxxing," where some users talked of breaking bones with a hammer for a stronger jawline.
Friction-maxxing (n.) is calling your friend instead of texting, after texting to ask if you can call.
Columnist Kathryn Jezer-Morton coined it in a Cut piece titled "In 2026, We Are Friction-Maxxing," published January 3, 2026.