The internet is a free-for-all?

I feel as though if the media was there for everyone to just take, there would not be any point in buying music. Because of all the new programs that are on the internet these days, it is very easy to simply take something off the internet. On the other hand, I believe that you should be able to use originals to create something original. For example, using a song as a background for a cover. This will not only enhance the originality and creativity of new media, but also give credit and popularity to the media that it is already there.