The Ownership Trap: Owning vs. Subscribing in 2025
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the future of ownership, fueled by a phrase that has gone viral: "You will own nothing and be happy." Originally presented in a 2016 World Economic Forum article as a positive vision of a future with easy and affordable access to goods and services, it has been interpreted as a threat to individual freedom. This article analyzes the evolution of the concept of ownership, the risks of the subscription model, and possible solutions.
From Absolute Ownership to License to Use:
Traditionally, owning something meant having the right to use it as you pleased. Today, even after purchase, you often only obtain a license to use it. This is particularly evident in the digital world: when purchasing music, movies, or ebooks, you don't own the work itself, but only a copy and permission to use it under certain conditions. A prime example is Amazon, which has removed the ability to download Kindle ebooks, transforming the purchase into a mere rental, with the risk of losing access to the content at any time.
The Rise of the Subscription Model:
Companies have discovered that the subscription model is more profitable than a one-time sale. Instead of buying software, you pay a monthly or annual fee. Microsoft Office, for example, has moved from a cost of around $120 for purchase to an annual subscription of $145. This means that if you stop paying, you lose access to the software, even if you have already spent a significant amount of money.
Beyond Media: Limited Ownership in Consumer Goods:
This trend has extended to physical goods as well. HP and Brother offer subscription models for using printers purchased, while car manufacturers like BMW and Tesla install hardware features (such as heated seats or self-driving mode) and make them accessible only through a monthly subscription. This is equivalent to paying an additional cost to use something you have already purchased.
The Right to Repair and Limited Ownership:
A further problem is the limitation of the right to repair. Companies like Apple make it difficult to replace components like batteries, forcing consumers to go to official support at high costs or replace the entire device.
Unexpected Benefits of Subscriptions:
Despite the risks, the subscription model can offer advantages. As with real estate rentals, it can be more convenient than buying, especially if you plan to move frequently. Furthermore, it allows access to products and services that would otherwise be too expensive, paying only for the period of actual use. For example, a monthly subscription to a video editing software can be more convenient than purchasing the full license if you only use it occasionally.
The Key is Autonomy:
The main problem is not the subscription itself, but the lack of autonomy. If you buy a product, you should have the right to use it as you wish, without restrictions imposed by the manufacturer.
Conclusions and Advice:
The article concludes with some advice:
Prioritize the purchase of physical media: books, records, CDs offer greater freedom and satisfaction.
Boycott companies that limit autonomy: avoid products that require mandatory subscriptions for already present features or that prevent repair.
Consider libraries: a free and sustainable alternative to buying books.
Support the right to repair: promote laws that guarantee consumers the right to repair their devices.
Ultimately, the discussion about ownership in 2025 is not a matter of "owning vs. not owning," but of autonomy and control over the things you buy.
https://s.grigio.org/MaPCs