From music services to movies and TV shows, and even to creative media platforms and video game platforms, subscription services are a constant part of daily life nowadays. This is especially true for high school students, who use these services for the convenience and expanded opportunities for entertainment, production, or even personal growth; often beyond only what unpaid access can get you. However, with prices rising and norms changing, the tides are starting to change, and it might be time to adjust the subscriptions needed to fit lifestyles and priorities, and the unnecessary additions to monthly bills.

Some of the most common subscriptions used by many students are primarily for entertainment. Services like Prime Video, YouTube, and HBO Max are commonplace among just about any person looking for uninterrupted, quality entertainment. Sebastian McCarren [11] from IATV, a user of similar entertainment services, mentioned “I have all of those for the purpose of enjoying shows I like. And I don’t want ads, so I have to pay more for that.” He also noted that while platforms like Netflix and Hulu tend to offer lower-quality shows, he remains subscribed to watch some of their standout originals, like K-Pop: Demon Hunters and Rick and Morty. For most people, the simple ability to watch what they want without ads or other restrictions makes the cost worth it; although, it does come with concerns.

Different factors can also determine whether a subscription stays paid or gets cancelled. For example, ethical concerns of the service’s company or host plays into one’s loyalty, and “If a company has done something wrong, in the sense they did something horrible, then I don’t want to support that company anymore,” Sebastian explained. Additionally, money is arguably the greatest concern, especially for high schoolers who don’t always have the income to support anything past necessities. For all factors there is always a fine line that will begin to lose attention if passed.

Not all subscriptions revolve around screens, though, as Matias Allande Morel [11] shared that his most used service is a YMCA gym membership, one he values for both fitness and social connection. “I use it every day because I like going to the gym, working out and clearing my mind,” he mentioned. “Apart from working on yourself and gaining muscle, it gives you friendship with other people and it puts you in sort of a community that’s special for people.” He stressed that the value of a subscription relies heavily on engagement, saying that “it’s worth it if you find a community that you can actively partake in, and if you can find friends that will support you.”

The appeal of subscription services comes down to more than just money. Whether it’s for a show to binge or a workout routine to get into, the value is always seen when what you pay for becomes part of your routine; that way, it becomes something you can actively enjoy and connect with and it justifies the monthly charge. Of course, if costs climb too high or quality falls too low, cancels will commence, but above all, a service that is able to create meaning and purpose beyond just convenience tends to stick around quite a bit longer than those that sit unused and futile.