Is the Era of Free Things Over? When "Free" Gets a Price Tag

Is the Era of Free Things Over? When "Free" Gets a Price TagIntroductionIn today's society, money seems to be the key to everything we need in life. Services that were once considered "free" are now increasingly being slapped with "price tags," leaving the public confused and angry

Is the Era of Free Things Over? When "Free" Gets a Price Tag

Introduction

In today's society, money seems to be the key to everything we need in life. Services that were once considered "free" are now increasingly being slapped with "price tags," leaving the public confused and angry. From television shows to restaurant utensils, from scenic spots to school air conditioning, the era of free seems to be gone. Is this the inevitable trend of the market economy, or is it just a blatant reflection of businesses chasing profits?

Television: From Free to Multiple Charges, Who Will Protect the "Visual" World?

Television used to be a major source of information and entertainment for people. Even though commercials were prevalent, the "free" label still made it appealing. However, with the advent of the internet age, the charm of television has faded, and the once free programs have started to become "expensive."

Now, when you turn on the TV, you encounter a plethora of VIP memberships and paid content. To watch a movie, you need to first watch a few minutes of preview before paying. What's worse, VIP memberships on mobile phones and computers are not compatible with televisions, meaning you have to upgrade again to unlock more content on TV. Furthermore, there are various "sports memberships," "anime memberships," and so on, turning the originally free television programs into a "trap" of charges.

This multi-tiered charging model not only confuses viewers, but also makes those who once loved watching TV gradually give up, ultimately turning the television into a decorative piece.

Restaurants: Charging for Utensils? Who Defines "Free"?

Utensils are an indispensable tool in restaurants. In the past, many restaurants provided free utensils. However, businesses are now starting to charge for utensils under various pretexts.

Many restaurants claim that their utensils go through high-temperature disinfection, using this as a justification for charging. However, as consumers, we still have concerns about hygiene and often need to re-wash the utensils with hot water. Moreover, the "silent rule" of informing customers about utensil charges only at the time of checkout, and not allowing them to take them away, feels forceful and unreasonable.

According to the "Consumer Rights Protection Law," restaurants are obligated to provide consumers with free utensils, but the reality contradicts this legal provision. The disappearance of "free utensils" not only confuses consumers, but also reflects the "profit-seeking" phenomenon prevalent in the market environment.

Scenic Spots: "Traps" Beyond Entrance Fees, Who Will Protect the "Scenery"?

Scenic spots are great places for people to relax, refresh their minds, and cultivate their temperament. However, nowadays, these spots are riddled with various "traps," casting a shadow over the once enjoyable journey.

Beyond the high ticket prices, the price of bottled water, snacks, and other goods inside scenic spots is far higher than the market price. A bottle of water can even cost 30 to 40 yuan, which is blatant "overcharging." What's even more infuriating is that buying the scenic spot's ticket does not guarantee access to the entire area. Some beautiful areas require additional payment to enter.

In the past, you could simply buy a single ticket and explore every corner of the scenic spot. However, now, the area is divided into several sections, each requiring separate fees. This "segmentation" not only confuses and displeases tourists, but also ruins the original complete tourism experience.

KTV: "Price Traps" in Entertainment, Who Will Protect the "Singing Voice"?

KTV used to be a great place for friends and family to gather, relax, and unwind. However, now, KTV has become a "price trap," leaving consumers hesitant.

The prices of drinks in KTV are generally higher than the market price, and they do not allow customers to bring their own drinks. Businesses use this to increase customer spending. A bottle of beer is often several times more expensive than outside. After a few drinks, the spending quickly increases.

Furthermore, the various service charges in KTV are unacceptable, such as room charges, service charges, etc. These charges added together turn a simple gathering into a "luxurious" entertainment event.

Schools: Learning Places Become "Toll Booths"? Who Will Protect the "Campus"?

Schools should be places for students to acquire knowledge and improve themselves. However, now, some schools are turning learning places into "toll booths," confusing and angering students and their parents.

Some schools have introduced shared air conditioning, where students need to pay to use it. Even the nap posture has a fee, with different charges for sleeping on your stomach, lying down, or sleeping on the bed.

This "charging" model not only displeases students, but also confuses and frustrates parents. Schools should be providing a good learning environment for students, but they have become a money-making "tool," which is disheartening.

Consumers: Angry but Helpless, Who Will Protect "Rights"?

Faced with these sudden "charges," many consumers feel frustrated and confused. For services or products that are truly valuable, reasonable charges are understandable and acceptable. However, for unreasonable or excessive charges, consumers have the right to complain or choose alternatives.

However, the reality is often less optimistic. Many businesses exploit information asymmetry and consumers' limited patience to arbitrarily raise prices, even resorting to "forced sales." Consumers, although angry, are often helpless and cannot protect their rights.

Conclusion

The era of free may really be over, but we should not be indifferent to this trend. As consumers, we should maintain rationality, discern right from wrong, and resist and complain against unreasonable charges. At the same time, we hope that relevant departments will strengthen supervision, protect consumer rights, and make the market environment more fair and reasonable.

References

1. CNR.cn: October 15, 2023, "Jiangsu Provincial Consumer Protection Committee Speaks Out: Businesses Should Inform Customers in Advance about 'Utensil Charges'"

2. Qilu Yi Dian: January 29, 2024, "One App, Multiple VIPs, Mobile Phone and TV End Memberships Not Interoperable, Multiple Payments Lead to Controversies"

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