Netflix is one of the top streaming programs for families around the world, but over these past couple of years, people have claimed that Netflix is going “downhill”. Netflix has started to show their own movies and shows for a while now and removing other movies and shows. This past year, Netflix has followed the path of many other websites by making their prices increase in order for you to not have ads, along with limited member slots. For many highschool students that are used to watching their favorite shows without being interrupted by content ads or commercials, this change is going to greatly affect the way that kids watch their favorite shows today.
Netflix has made the announcement that things will not be the same. Before you would find people paying around $11.99 a month. Now the prices vary drastically. Netflix has decided to charge more money for people who wish to no longer have ads. There are three plans that you may choose from: standard with ads, standard, and premium.
The standard option consists of paying $6.99 a month, but most, if not every, show will have ads and you will only be able to have Netflix on two devices, but you can pay $7.99 for more member slots. The second option that viewers have is called the ad free standard, this one consists of paying $15.49 a month, this plan has no ads but only two member slots unless you pay $7.99. Finally the last option is premium; the cost is $22.99 with no ads, but only four member slots— like the other options you have the opportunity to pay for more.
What does this mean for viewers? For those who choose to have the ad free experience on Netflix, they will have to pay $22.99 a month, along with a $7.99 fee if they wish to add more member slots. Rain Rowinsk,i a senior at Groves, isn’t sure if Netflix will still be the correct fit for her and her family.
“I think that depending on if my family decides to keep it, I don’t care, because if it is going to use ads on some shows then I don’t really need to watch it anymore,” Rowinski said.
This change is causing many viewers to have this same point of view as Rowinski. On the other hand many people still believe that to have the ad free version it is worth the extra cost that may come.
Overall, Netflix’s recent changes with pricing and ad supported plans, is leaving people with mixed feelings, mainly highschool students who look forward to relaxing after school. Some think the investment of premium is worth it while others are considering withdrawing their subscription to find the next best thing, but in the end the choice to continue with Netflix will depend on the different individuals and their preferences.
