Why do monopolies form?

Answer: High barriers prevent competition

Consumers prefer single companies — Wrong. Consumers generally benefit from competition (lower prices, better service). Monopolies form despite consumer preferences, usually because competition becomes economically impossible due to high entry costs, network effects, or resource control.

Small businesses always fail — Wrong. Small businesses often thrive in competitive markets. Monopolies form in specific industries where barriers to entry are extremely high—massive capital requirements, network effects (social media), or exclusive resource access prevent meaningful competition.

High barriers prevent competition ✓ — Correct! Monopolies form when barriers to entry are so high that competition is impractical. Examples: utilities require massive infrastructure investment, tech platforms benefit from network effects (everyone's on Facebook so you join too), pharmaceutical patents grant temporary monopolies, or a company controls a scarce resource (DeBeers and diamonds historically).