Free is never free

“Free is never forever.”

I read this sentence on from a blog. And it stuck with me.

It’s similar to the phrase: “If it’s free, you are the product.”

And, if you are taking this notion lightly, your happiness of using a free tool could be short-lived.

Think about all the commercial freeware offered by “BIG TECH” monopolist companies. We're all guilty of using their products for free.

No one can resist the temptation of convenience they build around us with their seamless product experience.

Now, think about your favorite social media.

Seems “free for life.”

But it collects your data and sells it to advertisers and “mysterious” third-party companies willing to pay a lot of money for “targeted” ads (or to manipulate the masses' opinion on major social and political issues).

Well, what if they decide to monetize their free services all of a sudden? Like, Elon Musk is planning on charging $8 for Twitter’s verified blue tick.

Not to mention, it consumes your time and attention.

The point is that there is always a catch.

It should be preferred to pay with your money rather than your time and soul.