Subscriptions Are Ruining Our Lives. Here's Why They're Everywhere Now.

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We've all seen the subscription wave grow. But when it actually hits us in the day-to-day, we realize just how deeply it’s woven into even the most unexpected parts of our lives—and it’s not always pretty. Case in point: Maggie, who recently shared her frustrating experience with a brand-new HP printer. She purchased it, filled it with ink, and everything seemed fine—until it wasn’t.

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Here’s the story:

After months of reliable use, Maggie’s HP printer suddenly refused to print. At first, she thought maybe the ink was low, but a quick check confirmed it was full. Then a baffling message popped up: her payment method needed updating, even though she’d already paid for everything upfront. Confused, she dug deeper and discovered that her printer had been enrolled in HP’s "Instant Ink" subscription service, which locked her ink cartridges if her subscription wasn’t up to date. That’s right—the ink she’d already paid for was now unusable because of software restrictions.

Like many of us, Maggie hadn’t thought twice about her new printer beyond its initial setup. But her experience reveals the frustrating reality of software “tethering,” where companies essentially hold our own purchases hostage. Today, buying a device is only the beginning; many companies use embedded software to enforce ongoing subscriptions, meaning you may need to pay indefinitely to use items you think you own.

Let’s break down how we got here.

A Brief History of Subscriptions: From Newspapers to Netflix

The subscription model has been around for centuries, with origins as early as the 15th century when people subscribed to receive printed news. The idea was simple: readers could sign up for the latest publications, while publishers enjoyed a steady revenue stream. Fast forward to the 20th century, and subscriptions continued with the advent of cable television, music streaming, and eventually, on-demand streaming services like Netflix.

For decades, it was a fair exchange. Subscriptions provided convenience and value, like access to endless entertainment or next-day delivery. But in the last few years, companies have expanded the subscription model to physical products—smart appliances, vehicles, printers, and more. Now, we’re not just subscribing to services we use temporarily, but to products we own.

From Software to “Software-Dependent” Hardware

Subscriptions in the software industry started with Salesforce in the early 2000s. Rather than selling a product outright, Salesforce introduced a “Software-as-a-Service” (SaaS) model, where customers paid a monthly fee to access cloud-based software. The approach caught on. Microsoft shifted to Office 365, Adobe launched Creative Cloud, and today, nearly every major software provider uses a similar model.

But as companies began embedding software into physical products, they saw an opportunity to apply the subscription model to everyday items, even those we buy outright. A “smart” fridge or printer might sound exciting, but manufacturers also use these features to enforce subscription fees. Car companies now charge monthly fees for heated seats, and printer manufacturers like HP charge customers to access ink they already own.

The Hidden Cost: Loss of Control

Once a product is tied to software, companies have near-complete control over how we use it. Want to print without a subscription? Not if HP’s software decides otherwise. Did you buy a car with heated seats? They might stop working if you don’t pay a monthly fee. Companies now dictate access to the very features you paid for upfront.

Even worse, this software dependency outlasts the hardware’s useful life. A smart fridge or car requires frequent software updates, and if a company discontinues its support, the device becomes unusable. This dependency makes many modern products feel like rentals, even though they’re bought outright.

The Legal Backing: Copyright Laws

If you’re thinking of bypassing these limitations by hacking or reprogramming, it’s not that simple. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) prohibits circumventing the digital locks on these devices. Originally intended to protect media from piracy, the law now also protects companies’ software-based restrictions, meaning tampering with your own device can carry hefty legal consequences.

The Consumer Backlash: Click-to-Cancel and Beyond

Consumers and regulators are beginning to push back. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new “Click-to-Cancel” rule mandates that companies make canceling subscriptions as easy as starting them. No more “hidden” unsubscribe buttons or deceptive practices. And as more people voice their frustrations, companies may face additional scrutiny, particularly those using “software tethering” to lock out users.

In the meantime, if you’re feeling a bit “subscription-fatigued,” you’re not alone. The average American now spends close to $300 a month on subscriptions, often without realizing it. This model is shaping a new consumer experience—one where owning something no longer guarantees full control over it.

Where Do We Go from Here?

The rise of software-controlled hardware highlights a larger question: do we truly own the things we buy anymore? As companies continue to find ways to monetize products post-purchase, we’re forced to reevaluate what it means to “own” an item. Will lawmakers adjust regulations to catch up with the trend, or will companies continue to find new ways to monetize every aspect of ownership?

In Maggie’s case, she’s left with only one choice: buy new, unsubscribed cartridges. But as more people grow aware of this trend, we might see a shift toward greater transparency, stronger consumer protections, and maybe even a rollback on some of the most frustrating practices. Until then, it’s worth reading the fine print and understanding what a “smart” purchase really means.

Let’s keep the conversation going.