Writer Ian Bogost says ‘The Small Stuff’ can help us reclaim our lives from dematerialization

In a thought-provoking exploration, writer and academic Ian Bogost raises critical questions about the impact of technology on our everyday lives in his upcoming book, "The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life." Drawing inspiration from his acclaimed article in The Atlantic, which highlighted the decline of stick shift cars, Bogost delves into how numerous facets of our daily existence—ranging from our vehicles to our bathrooms—have become increasingly dematerialized. Bogost articulates a compelling argument that our disconnection from the sensory world largely stems from what he refers to as 'convenience technologies.' While he acknowledges that technology plays a significant role, he emphasizes that other factors—such as bureaucracy and economic structures—also contribute to this detachment. "We've lost the texture of everyday life," he states, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon. Reflecting on societal critiques of the tech industry, Bogost admits he’s grown weary of the endless criticism. Instead, he aims to shift the focus towards finding joy in sensory experiences. He argues that expecting ordinary individuals to wait for systemic changes to reclaim their lives is unrealistic. "Ordinary people don’t need to wait for that," he asserts. In our conversation, Bogost elaborated on the concept of dematerialization, framing it as the loss of tangible interaction with our environment. He uses the example of automated airport restrooms to illustrate how convenience can strip away our sensory engagement, leading to a lack of awareness about what we truly miss in our daily routines. His reflections on the trade-offs between convenience and experience highlight a growing awareness that while technology has generally improved our lives, it has also dulled our connection to the material world. Bogost argues for a balanced approach that acknowledges the importance of sensory experiences in addition to the outcomes provided by technological advancements. As he navigates the nuances of nostalgia and modernity, Bogost makes it clear that although he values past experiences, he believes in living in the present and adapting to new forms of sensory engagement. He challenges the notion that we should reintroduce friction for its own sake, advocating instead for a richer experience of the ordinary. Ultimately, Bogost's book serves as both a critique and a call to action, urging individuals to seek out gratifying moments in their daily lives, regardless of the broader societal changes that may be needed. He believes that while larger shifts are important, ordinary people can reclaim their sensory lives immediately, finding joy in the small stuff that often goes unnoticed.