Why Modern Convenience Feels So Inconvenient

Modern life is filled with conveniences designed to make things easier. We can order dinner without leaving the couch, check ourselves out at the grocery store, communicate instantly with anyone, and stream nearly every movie and song ever made.

So why do we often feel busier, more stressed, and more, well, inconvenienced than ever?

My guest today argues that many supposed advancements don’t actually save us time, money, or energy — and that even when they do, they can eliminate forms of friction that made life richer, more enjoyable, and more human.

His name is Gabe Bullard, and he’s the author of Against Convenience. Today on the show, Gabe and I discuss how self-checkout, mobile ordering, digital communication, streaming services, food delivery, and even smartphone cameras can paradoxically make life more annoying and less satisfying. Gabe also shares questions to ask yourself to decide which conveniences are worth keeping, and why deliberately adding a little friction back into your life can sometimes make it better.

0:00 Introduction

1:45 Why Convenience Isn't Working

4:22 Self-Checkout & Starbucks App Failures

11:29 The Illusion of Technological Progress

17:28 Phones as a Single Point of Failure

18:20 How Digital Communication Hurts Relationships

23:49 Dating Apps & Making Friends

27:15 Smartphone Cameras & the Value of Photos

32:41 Streaming & Entertainment Disappointment

40:10 Food Delivery Problems

46:30 Wendell Berry's Questions for New Tech

50:12 Practical Tips for Embracing Friction

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