Something is off about that statement. I don't want to sound judgmental, but I don't think guilt about owing companies that offer free services is a good reason

Something is off about that statement. I don't want to sound judgmental, but I don't think guilt about owing companies that offer free services is a good reason to watch or listen to ads. If on the other hand you think that advertising offers value, then I might accept that view. Also the world changes, and what might have made sense in the past (e.g. buying printed books or label-music), doesn't necessarily have to make sense now.