Ian Bogost Argues Small Joys Counteract Tech Disconnection

Writer and academic Ian Bogost argues that focusing on everyday joys can help people reclaim their lives from modern technology's disconnecting effects.

This perspective challenges the prevailing trend of prioritizing maximum convenience. Bogost suggests that the removal of physical effort and material interaction, a process often called dematerialization, contributes to a sense of societal alienation.

In an interview published in June 2026 on The Atlantic's online platform, Bogost discussed his new book, "The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life." He said that paying attention to the small, often overlooked joys found in everyday tasks can lead to a more satisfying existence. By identifying these moments, individuals can counteract the disconnection fueled by modern conveniences.

Bogost's work explores the tension between the efficiency of digital systems and the human need for tangible experience. He said that the pursuit of a gratifying life involves resisting the urge to automate every aspect of the human experience. The discussion emphasizes that the very things technology seeks to eliminate, such as minor inconveniences or manual processes, are often where meaning is found.

To further explore these themes, The Atlantic has launched a newsletter series. The course runs for eight weeks ^[1], providing a structured way for readers to engage with Bogost's theories on the ordinary and the extraordinary.

The conversation with Atlantic senior editor Chris Suellentrop highlights a growing cultural critique of the digital age. Bogost said that reclaiming these small moments is a necessary step in overcoming the emptiness that can accompany a fully dematerialized life.