There’s always a hidden cost, when something is free: Harsh Goenka’s priceless advice for Indians

Industrialist Harsh Goenka is known for his sharp social media commentary, and his latest post is no exception. Sharing his views on X, Goenka remarked that Netflix, soft drinks, and social media may seem affordable or free but come with hidden costs.

“Netflix doesn’t cost ₹499—it costs your time. Coke doesn’t cost ₹30—it costs your health. Social media isn’t free—it costs your focus. There’s always a hidden cost. When something is free, remember: you are the product,” he wrote.



His statement set off a debate, with users responding with their own perspectives. One commenter expanded on Goenka’s point, arguing that overuse of Netflix and social media can damage careers and relationships, making people more mechanical and impulsive. Another user pointed out that even free public Wi-Fi carries a price—compromised data privacy.

A different take emerged from those advocating for balance. “Moderation is the key,” one user wrote. “Netflix, when used wisely, can inspire creativity. Coke, in limited amounts, can be a treat. Social media, in controlled use, fosters connections.”

One comment shifted the debate towards politics, questioning the cost of government welfare schemes: “What about political freebies? My domestic help has left since #LadliBehnaYojna. Here, I feel I am the product.”

Bengaluru’s Transformation: From Garden City to Gridlock

A day earlier, Goenka had triggered another online discussion—this time about Bengaluru’s changing face. Sharing a nostalgic post with a photo of Infosys co-founders Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani, he reminisced about a simpler time.

“Once upon a time, Bengaluru was a serene haven—morning walks in Cubbon Park, leisurely drives in Premier Padmini, and lazy afternoons spent in quaint bookstores,” he wrote. “Then, a few bright IITians got some seed money from their better halves, and now... we spend more time stuck on Outer Ring Road than enjoying the 'Garden City' breeze. Progress, they call it!”

The post divided opinions. Some echoed his concerns, criticising the city’s infrastructure woes. “Bangalore had potential, but its old city roads are better than the ‘developed’ areas now. Politicians and builders are to blame—they encroached lakes and neglected infrastructure,” one user wrote.

Others defended the city’s tech-fuelled evolution. “Bengaluru’s transformation is a case study in urban growth. Thank you, IITians and Infosys!” a supporter commented.

Some took a balanced view. “We can’t have it both ways. The decision to allow IT companies within city limits is now biting residents,” one post read.

Warning Against Social Media Manipulation

Earlier in February, Goenka had shared a satirical video illustrating how online narratives are crafted. The clip, posted on X, depicted a staged interaction where selective editing created a misleading story.

“This is how social media narratives are made,” Goenka captioned the post. The video gained significant traction, garnering over 26,900 views and hundreds of reactions.

Through this post, Goenka seemed to caution internet users against taking online content at face value. The viral clip reinforced the need for critical thinking in the digital age, reminding audiences that not everything they see online is as it seems.