Ben Harvey's 2026 Grump List: A Humorous Take on Modern Annoyances
Ben Harvey, a columnist for The West Australian, is back with more entries for his ambitious list of 100 things that should be banned in 2026. In a recent article, he thanked the many readers who have flooded his inbox with suggestions, acknowledging the sheer number of residents in what he calls "GrumpTown." Harvey is determined to reply to everyone, though the volume of responses has proven challenging.
He also addressed skeptics who doubt the legitimacy of his competition, which offers a bottle of Penfolds 389 for the best gripe submitted. Some readers even joked that he might decant cheaper Koonunga Hill into the prized bottle, a notion Harvey humorously acknowledged. He reassured everyone that the competition is genuine and encouraged more submissions.
Devices and Daily Frustrations
Harvey's list highlights several everyday annoyances that resonate with many. First, he points to devices that connect when you don't want them to, like those awkward moments when someone on a call ends up talking to an empty car due to Bluetooth mishaps. Next, he tackles recalcitrant tissues that refuse to stand ready at the top of the box, forcing you to fish inside and inevitably pull out multiple sheets that scatter in the wind.
Similarly, he bemoans toilet paper with excessive adhesive, which often results in peeling away multiple layers and ending up with a flimsy, half-ply sheet that's barely functional. These small frustrations, Harvey argues, add up to significant daily irritations.
Password Madness and Technological Hurdles
Harvey then dives into the world of passwords, lamenting the shift from simple four-digit codes to complex 16-character requirements. He notes how apps, like Jetstar's, now demand a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, making it nearly impossible to remember without resorting to exotic languages like Sanskrit. He also criticizes two-factor authentication, which adds another layer of complexity with six-digit codes and endless validation steps.
Beyond passwords, he targets bots that require humans to prove their identity through tasks like selecting boxes with traffic lights or bicycles. Harvey questions the logic of this, especially in an era where driverless cars are being developed, yet robots struggle with basic visual recognition.
Social and Cultural Gripes
Harvey doesn't shy away from social commentary, taking aim at millennials who aspire to be influencers, arguing that not everyone can make a living from sitting in their living room. He also criticizes tipping culture, where customers are prompted to add gratuity on digital devices before even receiving service, often feeling judged for opting out despite mediocre service.
Other entries include ridiculous lunch boxes with built-in ice bricks, which he humorously hopes lead to playground teasing, and confusing weather statistics that claim temperatures "feel" different than they actually are. He questions the logic behind such measurements, suggesting that if it feels like 10°C, it should simply be recorded as 10°C.
Everyday Inconveniences
Finally, Harvey describes the frustration of not being able to reach ticket machines at public carparks. He paints a vivid picture of straining against seat belts, hanging out of car windows, and dropping tickets under vehicles in a futile attempt to insert them. This scenario, he implies, epitomizes the minor yet maddening hurdles of modern life.
Through his witty and relatable observations, Ben Harvey continues to build his list, inviting readers to join in the grumbling and share their own pet peeves for 2026.
