The Subscription Economy: How Did We Stop Buying and Start Getting Subscribed?

From Netflix to LinkedIn Premium, subscriptions promise convenience and choice — but are we endlessly renting our lives without owning anything? Let’s explore digital habits, hidden costs, and psychological traps of the subscription era — and consider how we can pursue smarter spending.

“Your Subscription is Renewed”: How My Wallet Got Broken While I Wasn’t Looking

Last week, I got distracted when a notification popped up: “YouTube is raising its subscription price.” It was a simple message, yet it sparked a more in-depth realization: how subscriptions have infiltrated every aspect of modern life, reshaping our spending habits and redefining ownership in the digital age. Raised? Wasn’t I already paying enough for ad-free entertainment? For a moment, I laughed. It’s the new year — pricing hikes seem inevitable, especially with the currency exchange rates between ₺ and €/$ spiraling. But then the reality hit me. How much more would I end up paying in 2025 for all the tools and services I rely on for my freelance work? Microsoft, for instance, recently switched their sales model, canceling alumni university accounts and forcing users into paid memberships. It left me wondering: when did we start paying all day, every…