Yes, privacy should be the default. However, there is a limit for what is practical.
A VPN adds latency to your connection. It adds an additional failure point. If you don't need it, why use it? Most people don't need privacy at that level.
Additionally VPNs are not free.
For the ones that claim to be free, you have to remember that if you're not paying, you are the product.
What privacy do VPNs provide to the average user when not doing anything illegal? Absolutely zero. You might claim "but VPNs hide my traffic from my ISP!" And it is true, but in doing so you expose it to the VPN provider. In the end, unless you operate your own network, you will have to tell someone where you are going. Using a VPN is just kicking the can.
Of course if your ISP is known for doing shady stuff and there is a VPN that you fully trust, it may be worth it.
But I swear the VPN industry has wiped people's minds with millions of ads so they're not thinking anymore.
What you don't think?
Why does being a parent give any authority in this conversation?