World News: Talking Tech: Subscriptions are everywhere. How much more can we take?

Thursday, February 23

Welcome to another Friday Eve, Talking Tech readers. It's Brett Molina trying not to devour leftover king cake as I deliver this week's tech headlines.

Lent is here, which means the triumphant reign of the fast food fish sandwich as well as the moment practitioners decide what to give up during the six-week period.

I can think of one thing many of us would love to give up: subscriptions! (Except, of course, your USA TODAY subscription. Nearly everything can be purchased for a recurring cost. TV services, smartphones, meals, and even special features in your car can be had for a monthly price.

As a result, subscription fatigue is very real.

For businesses, subscriptions are awesome. Lots of regular money streaming in from loyal customers for services that some of us probably use sparingly. How many times have you checked a bank statement and realized you have a subscription for something you barely (or maybe even never) used?

A 2022 survey from the Kearney Consumer Institute found 40% of consumers think they have too many subscriptions, reports colleague Bailey Schulz, and more than half want to spend less than $50 a month on subscriptions.

In the spirit of Lent, maybe it's time to give up some of those subscriptions – for good.

What else happened in tech?

Ready for Facebook jail reform? Now you'll get warnings before they lock up your account.

Extremists and crowdfunding. Democrats ask the Treasury Department what they're doing to stop extremist groups from raising money online.

Robots behind the turntable? Spotify is using AI to provide your own personal DJ.

She got an original iPhone in 2007 but didn't open it. The phone sold for $63,000.

Thursday tech tip

No one likes an awkward moment when texting others. That's especially true with emojis, where you're just one rogue eggplant away from a very awkward explanation. Fear not, because here's your guide to misused emojis.