Why subscriptions make everything more expensive

"Subscription services exist for nearly everything consumers buy. Many, like Netflix or Spotify, start out affordable, but the cost adds up over time. And while signing up is effortless, canceling can be difficult. Companies such as Adobe and Amazon have even been accused by the Federal Trade Commission of using dark patterns to trap consumers in subscriptions."

"But rising costs are only part of the problem. The subscription model is eroding consumers' opportunity to own what they buy. So how did we get to the point where practically everything is a subscription? And why is owning nothing making everything so expensive?"

Subscription services now cover nearly every consumer purchase, often starting at low monthly prices that accumulate into substantial long-term costs. Many providers design easy sign-ups but make cancellation difficult, and some firms have faced accusations of using dark patterns to retain subscribers. Rising recurring fees are compounded by the erosion of ownership, as products and services shift from one-time purchases to ongoing access. The shift increases expenses for consumers and limits the ability to own, resell, or fully control purchased goods. The trend raises concerns about consumer choice, affordability, and market power.

Read at Business Insider