We Deserve Access
By Ashley Wang | Opinions | Jan. 31, 2025
As major companies block the content found on their apps behind paywalls or increased their subscription prices, financial strains and wealth gaps have arisen among consumers. Recently, in October 2024, Disney+ increased its ad-free rate price from $10.99 to $13.99 per month. This service is one of the numerous companies that have either shifted toward subscription-based models or raised subscription fees. Only some consumers can afford these subscriptions which highlight the nation’s wealth divide by charging for whole access. At Stanton College Preparatory School, these disparities are evident, as not all students can pay for access to these platforms.
Rising subscription costs leave many unable to access basic features, raising accessibility concerns by unintentionally excluding lower-income demographics, especially those relying on the media to stay informed. News services, including The New York Times have removed free access to their content behind paywalls charging readers $25 for full access to news content. Forbes reported in 2024 prices have increased by $1–2, with some spiking by $6 monthly. These platforms prioritize profit over user experience along with adding intrusive ads that harm functionality. `
The growing trend of monetizing essential services restricts underfunded schools with subscription costs to quality learning materials. Educational apps like BrainPOP and Grammarly provide personalized and valuable tools to improve understanding and help students develop essential skills, yet they require paid subscriptions. This denies students’ ability to reach their full potential in low-budget schools. By locking interactive lessons and advanced tools behind paywalls, students are denied equitable learning opportunities.
Beyond education, individuals are further separated by the entertainment opportunities available to different economic wealth groups that favor higher class. For example, TikTok’s promotion feature favors wealthy creators who pay for visibility, leaving others overshadowed. Similarly, pay-to-win mechanics in video games give paying players an unfair advantage often at the expense of non-paying users. Within these games, progression is tied to purchasing bundles or in-game currencies which ultimately drives players to develop resentment toward these systems.
The growing dependence on subscriptions reflects societal wealth gaps where higher-income users can afford premium features and unlock better experiences. In an online survey conducted in December 2024 among Stanton students, 95% of the 145 respondents believed companies are becoming more profit-driven with the rise of subscription models, and 31% reported feeling belittled for not purchasing premium plans. For underprivileged students, this lack of access limits their ability to compete in a resource-driven world.
Subscription models divide users, making premium features exclusive. While companies argue premium plans and advertisements are necessary to sustain high-quality services, it does not consider the advantages only premium users receive. The reliance on these revenue streams excludes a significant portion of users, reinforcing systemic inequalities. Companies must prioritize inclusivity and ensure essential features stay for all.