Why is Adobe Flash Player required sometimes -alternatives?

In conflict over whether to accept installing Adobe Flash Player with all the warnings I have

read on this message board about the number of scams they have experienced and even

that the company may go under.

Is it a 'plug-in'? A subscription to a service presenting videos says that it is required

for Macs to receive the subscription. Are there safer alternatives that accomplish the

same thing? Has Adobe Flash Player safety improved in the last year so that it might

be okay to install it now?

Thank you for your time and consideration.