Ep. 229: Make Tech Slow Again – The Return of Friction

Ep. 229: Make Tech Slow Again – The Return of Friction

From Brave Parenting by Brave Parenting

July 8, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

In this episode, Kelly discusses the trend of seeking slower, more friction-intensive technology and its implications.

There is a growing trend of “friction-maxxing” and going analog, especially among Gen Z. People are seeking slower, more friction-intensive technology so they can spend less time on it. And it appears that the market is responding accordingly. In this episode, Kelly reviews the increasing range of frictional products on the market. From turning your smartphone dumb to apps that take 2 weeks to deliver a message via carrier pigeon, all the way to boomboxes and bookstores, the trend is clear: we want to make tech slow again! We believe that behind the trendiness of analog life lies a spiritual conviction and a pre-commitment not to be manipulated by media and technology. Articles/Products referenced: Brave Parenting Podcast #174: Adding Friction to Your Phone 5 ways to add a little inconvenience to your day — and improve your brain Roost app Slowly app This app turns your iPhone into a tiny iPod-style dumbphone, case and all Dumbphone app Dumbify app Screen Zen Clearspace Unplulg app One Sec app Blank Spaces app Brick Kitchen Safe Cat Gatekeeper Unhook Newsfeed Eradicator Cold Turkey Freewrite CampSnap Polaroid Analog Summer Fewer People are Reading, But Bookstores are…

People in this episode

Host: Kelly

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Costco

Products: Roost app, Slowly app, Dumbphone app, Dumbify app, Screen Zen, Clearspace, Unplulg app, One Sec app, Blank Spaces app, Brick Kitchen Safe

Books & works: Brave Parenting Podcast #174: Adding Friction to Your Phone

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