Friction

In " Take Back Control in a World Optimized for Apathy," Joan Westenberg delves into the unsettling paradox of modern society, where technological advancements aimed at simplifying our lives have inadvertently bred a culture of apathy and detachment. Leveraging her extensive background in tech journalism and innovation consulting, Westenberg argues that the very systems designed for our convenience—social media algorithms, frictionless UX/UI, and automated decision-making tools—often strip us of our agency, reducing complex human experiences to mere data points. She offers a compelling roadmap for reclaiming individual control by introducing purposeful "friction" into our interactions with technology. Marrying big-picture analysis with actionable insights, Westenberg persuasively makes the case for a more intentional and fulfilling relationship with the digital world.