# Algorithmic Friction Algorithmic friction is machine-mediated resistance inserted between intention and action: reduced visibility, extra verification, delayed access, reordered options, notification overload, repeated failure, or asymmetric moderation. ## Boundary Friction may arise from safety policy, fraud controls, optimization, software defects, market incentives, or hostile manipulation. Its presence does not establish intent. Analysis must compare accounts, time, policy, platform state, and measurable outcomes. ## Relationships [[Adaptive Constraint Field]] · [[Interface Governance]] · [[Observability Asymmetry]] · [[Authorization Gap]].