# The Entertainment Exploitation Cycle: A Deep Dive
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Chapter 1: The Subscription Overload
Are you overwhelmed by the multitude of subscription services available today? The streaming wars are just the latest manifestation of a long-standing cycle in the media and entertainment sector.
As evidenced by Netflix’s current struggles, where its stock prices have reverted to levels seen five years ago, it seems that companies fail to learn from the past. The driving forces behind this cycle are often greed and the inertia that accompanies large corporations. Today, we're bombarded with various companies adding a "+" or "Max" to their subscription offerings, leading to recurring fees that add up quickly.
In a recent episode of South Park: Post COVID, the show humorously illustrates a future where companies have taken this to absurd lengths, offering services like Denny's-Applebee's DELUXE+ and Best Buy PLUS. This commentary serves as a reminder of the cycle we face in the entertainment industry. Below is a visual representation of this cycle, followed by a historical and philosophical examination.
Initially, radio was the first mass media entertainment form, accessible to all regardless of socioeconomic status. Everyone tuned into a limited number of stations, creating a sense of social harmony. This changed with the advent of television, introduced in the late 1920s, which offered free content as long as you purchased a TV and plugged it in.
Then, cable and satellite TV emerged. Although cable began in 1948, it gained traction in the late 80s, and satellite became popular in the 90s. While initial costs were manageable, premium content began to require additional payments. This segmentation of services was acceptable for a while, as consumers enjoyed a variety of channels and better content due to the booming economy.
However, this situation led to an inevitable consequence: cable theft surged in the late 90s and early 2000s. Many people had a contact who could provide a ‘shady’ setup, pushing back against the cable companies. If consumers feel pressured, they may resort to theft as a form of rebellion.
The 90s also saw the rise of the Internet, which disrupted the cable model. For Millennials, the era of peer-to-peer sharing through platforms like Limewire and Napster offered a new, albeit illegal, means to access content. While the decentralized system of piracy appeared unstoppable, it didn’t dominate for several reasons: many disliked the idea of stealing, and it was technically challenging, with slow streaming and limited storage space.
People found themselves in a limbo, some sticking with cable and others enduring long waits for downloads. Enter Netflix around 2010, which revolutionized streaming by providing a comprehensive library of movies and TV shows for a low monthly fee. With its user-friendly model, Netflix significantly reduced the incentive for piracy, and torrenting fell out of favor, allowing Netflix to capitalize on its first-mover advantage.
However, by 2022, the cycle began anew. Companies, inspired by Netflix’s success, started to withdraw their shows from the platform to launch their own subscription services. We have now returned to a situation where accessing all major platforms could cost over $200 per month.
Current major players include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max, and others, not to mention the numerous niche providers. International services such as Tencent and iQIYI boast hundreds of millions of subscribers, further complicating the landscape.
Interestingly, the current trend among new players is to rely heavily on big-budget productions, like Stranger Things for Netflix and The Rings of Power for Amazon, rather than diversifying with various original content. This shift has led to a saturation of recycled programming, consisting mainly of reality shows that appeal to our most basic instincts.
Final Thoughts
What might occur as consumers face yet another wave of high prices and fragmented services? Similar to the past, we may soon witness a resurgence in online piracy, aided by the availability of free streaming sites that require just a simple search. The current economic climate only exacerbates this issue.
This reflection touches on exploitation from both sides. Companies often manipulate public perception through their broadcasts, focusing on content that fits within the current societal framework or challenges mainstream discourse. However, if pushed too far, consumers will react by canceling subscriptions and seeking alternative means to engage with media.
Interestingly, the journey toward financial independence and self-actualization relates closely to the cycle of entertainment exploitation. A vital step in achieving self-enlightenment involves disconnecting from mass media entertainment altogether. Personally, I maintain a minimalist approach, only subscribing to Amazon Prime for its delivery service, while my partner enjoys HBO Max at her own expense. This lifestyle choice encourages more meaningful activities beyond the latest reality TV episode.
As society remains glued to the dopamine-inducing glow of screens, I encourage you, dear reader, to rise above and embrace a renaissance of human potential. The ongoing divisions and conflicts in our world can only be exacerbated by mindless entertainment. Ultimately, our humanity may regress into primal instincts as we chase fleeting pleasures at the expense of deeper connections and understanding.
If you found this analysis insightful, consider subscribing to my Medium publication, Armchair Musings, for more discussions on personal finance, early retirement, philosophy, and life.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Self-Actualization
The first video, "How To Be Self Delivered," delves into the journey toward self-actualization, discussing strategies for personal growth and independence.
Chapter 3: The Cost of Entertainment
The second video, "The True Cost," examines the financial implications of our entertainment choices and the broader societal effects of subscription fatigue.