Why do people go to Starbucks?

This conversation showed up again over the weekend (I bet you've heard it a million times):

"Why would anyone listen to music radio these days? I mean, we have Spotify, so why would you want someone else to choose songs for you?"

First point:

Easy one this: it's called Reciprocity.

In other words, humans enjoy when other humans present something for their perusal or enjoyment. We actively search for it in life. Radio listening is one of those moments. We all know that radio is a communication medium...we are literally speaking to and entertaining another human being. 

The listener's brain breaks that down into you doing something for them. To reciprocate...they will do something for you, ie- 'Listen'. It's basic human nature.

Second point: 

Do you have a kitchen in your home? A kettle? A cup? Coffee/tea? Most likely, 'Yes' to all of these. So why do you go to Starbucks or Costa or wherever to buy a coffee? 

Could it be for the experience? Coffee is coffee. But a well-presented and professionally made coffee handed to you by a person who is trained to create 'the best' version of your hot beverage is a very different experience to you merely plugging in a kettle at home and opening up a jar of Nescafe.

Humans like it when something is hosted for us. Be that, coffee, music, a TV show...it feels 'nice'. Simple as that. 

We reciprocate Starbucks by paying them money for the drink, Spotify the same. 

Radio is reciprocated by listening.

Radio is part of human nature...and that doesn't always make conscious sense.