Comments

40 responses to “OnlyFans Being a Viable Career Options for Young Women”

1. 

   Shannon Kate

   29/04/2025

   I see your point about stigma still existing in the ‘real world’ when compared to online spaces, but I honestly think that continuing to reduce the stigma around sex work is a good thing. You note “the subjugation of women by romanticizing and glamorizing the servicing of men’s sexual desires” – I feel like they (men) should be made to pay for that, in a transactional way that means acknowledging the value of women as sexual objects.

   I realise there is always risk with sex work, online content or IRL, but I disagree that risk and pitfalls is “dressed up as empowering females” – I believe both can exist simultaneously. Yes, there is a digital footprint associated with onlyfans which means today’s content creators probably should try to run for government at the moment, but with shifting attitudes (mostly due to women’s empowerment), risk and stigma can both be erradicated in the future.

   1. 

      SammLaw

      29/04/2025

      Hi, thanks for reading my paper and leaving a comment.

      Why I did this topic is cause I myself can go back and forth on whether or not making sex work more mainstream is negative or positive. As sex work has always been there I think it’s a naïve thought to think it will go away from society, so it is important to instead create a safe environment where the women are making what they deserve. Like you said, make men (or those prepared to buy) pay for their desires.

      However, when doing the research I was surprised at how many younger women seem to see OnlyFans as a career option and I cannot imagine before social media as many teens would have thought about going into the sex work industry, which makes me concerned that it is influencing younger women that potentially all they are good for is to be sexualised, rather than inspiring them to have other fulfilling careers.

      1. 

         Sarah Taylor

         02/05/2025

         Yes, I can see your concern. It may be interesting to see the statistics on income and outcomes from OnlyFans, which may help both researchers and future models to understand the true picture of what this type of work involves.
         All the best and I hope you are enjoying the conference.

2. 

   Sarah Taylor

   29/04/2025

   I have read your article with interest and I wanted to ask a few questions, because I have never subscribed to anyone on OnlyFans.
   You have repeated a claim in your article that OnlyFans has oversexualised society, but I was wondering what method you are using to prove this claim? Are these your impressions or is there some was of quantifying the oversexualisation of a society?
   Also I understand that you have mentioned stigma associated with OnlyFans, but I am lead to believe (and I can’t verify) that it does include nude modelling and not just pornographic content. In that light, can you please explain where the stigma comes from, and how you believe it applies to people using a platform like OnlyFans to distribute nude photos?
   As I read your article, I got the impression that your concerns were with children being influenced to take up careers on OnlyFans. You have explained that you believe this may occur with the cross-platform spread of an OnlyFans’ creator’s presence, which you believe may play a role in younger people wanting to create content for OnlyFans. Can you please show me some evidence of influencers explicitly encouraging children to take up OnlyFans as a career? And further to this point, and with your concerns in mind, what do you think can be done to protect children if this sort of influence can be proven?

   1. 

      SammLaw

      30/04/2025

      Hi Sarah,
      Thanks for your comment. OnlyFans is not the sole platform oversexualising society, I would argue that the internet as a whole did this, with social media creating even easier access. If you think back before the internet, or even the early days of its creation, the access to porn was far more difficult. It was mainly still image magazines which needed to be purchased directly in stores (no online ordering), and still image is generally far less graphic than videos, for example Playboy is one of the most famous porn magazines and even this was a mix of nude and semi-nude. Porn did also come in VHR form but again was harder to get hold of and because of this the rate it was purchased and digested was much slower. The more we have access, it changes societies boundaries and shock levels, which is why you see sheer/naked dresses on red carpet events, for example the dress Kayne West’s wife Bianca Censori wore to the 2025 Grammy’s exposed more skin than the covers of Playboy magazines.
      The saying “sex sells” is a phrase often used to reference the use of sexualising products in advertising, for example there is probably no need to have a beautiful women sell toilet paper, but companies have. Influences have also used this technique to market themselves. For example, the food influencer Cedrik Lorenzen (Instagram and TikTok) who does videos with highly sexualised innuendo, if you go back to his original content, it was just about cooking and baking, but overtime became more sexualised as that is what gained more viewers. These examples of content that are not technically porn can be found all across social media which helps highlight the oversexualised nature of society.

      In my research I did not come across influencers specifically targeting children suggesting they start producing OnlyFans content, as I imagine that would be prohibited if not in laws but in platform regulations. However, my concern is that there are multiple instances of influencers creating content suggesting that it is a viable career, where they often share their experiences and provide tips. While the influencers can argue this is for their adult viewers, if they are sharing this content on platforms that allow children and teens, its quite easy for them to be exposed to this content.
      As an example, here is a link that I references in my paper of Taraswrld making an instruction video on TikTok informing their followers on how they make money on OnlyFans.
      https://www.tiktok.com/@taraswrld/video/7295797652963331374?lang=en

      Your question on how to protect children from this sort of influence is quite complexed. I think that is required from many levels, including direct parental boundaries, regulations from the social media platforms themselves and potentially government restrictions. But these are all easier said than done.

3. 

   Cindy Ma

   29/04/2025

   Hi SammLaw,

   My paper is about gig workers, so when i searched “gig workers” in this site, your paper appear second after mine. So our paper kinda similar about the gig economy. If you’re interested in gig workers, you can search for my paper titled “Gig Workers Utilise Reddit and X to Advocate for Better Working Conditions and Social Change”.

   Comeback with your paper, it was very interesting when you talk about OnlyFans. I agreed with you when you raise really important point about people seeing OnlyFans as a easy tools to make money for young women, but the reality is far more complicated. I found your discussion around the illusion of sex work being stigma-free particularly powerful. Love the way that you used influencers as your example to show that maybe they need to hiden promote their OnlyFans on social media so they can make more money from that. It leads to teen girls curious and want to join the OnlyFans jobs which they should not do that. I think it is important You did a great job showing both the appeal and the potential long-term risks. Great work.

   Cindy.

   1. 

      SammLaw

      30/04/2025

      Hi Cindy Ma,

      Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.

      I think that with the economy how it is at the moment, it has become normal, if not admirable to have a side hustle. To bring in another income makes you seem like a hard worker who is ambitious and willing to take the initiative. Like you mentioned in your paper, online platforms have created more of these jobs, like rideshare drivers for example and while there is a positive for these, I think potentially an overlooked side effect is that then people aren’t finding it as strange when people are choosing to do OnlyFans on the side.

      While I do not think that OnlyFans is only negative and in one of my other comment/chats we mentioned that as sex work has always been there I think it’s a naïve thought to think it will go away from society, so it is important to instead create a safe environment where the content creators are making what they deserve. Like you mentioned in your paper self-employed individuals often have unstable income, and for many OnlyFans has helped with this. But glamorising it as a guarantee success is dangerous and untrue.

      1. 

         Cindy Ma

         05/05/2025

         Hey, I am totally agree with you that in this economy, this kind of job become normal because it is the way that you can make morney beside your main job or something like that. I would say it is okay if someone do OnlyFans to support their income. But do you think it will be slowly make this generation think that “oh we should change the job to full time OnlyFans because the money is too good”. Because for me this kind of job have very risky safety in both physical and mental healthy as well, and do they guarantee that the money gonna be stable? But yeah i agree with you that it is so important to build a safety environment for whoever do OnlyFans. cus now no one can stop them to start OnlyFans, right? But you know I still prefer that young teen in this generation, they should acknowledge more about OnlyFans and dont influence too much from people on Internet. what do you think?

         1. 

            SammLaw

            11/05/2025

            Hi Cindy,

            I agree, I think a safe and fair working environment needs to be created for those that do take part in OnlyFans. However, more needs to be done to inform people (especially the younger audiences) what being part of the platform means.

            By this, I mean education within the school system. Schools need to educate more on social media and the internet. As well as the government and the platforms themselves having further restrictions.

4. 

   21251915@student.curtin.edu.au

   29/04/2025

   Thank you for sharing your paper. I found it very interesting and it made me think more deeply about the topic. I liked how you explained both the good and bad sides of OnlyFans. It’s true that some people can become very successful, but it’s also important to see that this success is not guaranteed for everyone.

   I agree with your point that many young people might believe OnlyFans is an easy way to make money, but they don’t always understand the risks, like losing privacy or having trouble finding a job later. I also found it important how you talked about the stigma that still exists in society, even if people online seem to accept it more.

   You did a great job showing that while OnlyFans may seem like a good career for some, it’s not always a safe or stable choice for everyone. It was a really thoughtful and honest paper—thanks again for writing it!

   —— （Jalynn）Jie Zhou

   1. 

      SammLaw

      30/04/2025

      Hello Jalynn,

      Thanks for your comment and the time you took to read my paper, I really appreciate it.

      Some other risks which I did not mention, as I did not have the word count is that it can affect relationships with family members and future partners (and future family members). How uncomfortable would a dinner be with your new in-laws if the father-in-law was a subscriber to your OnlyFans account?
      People might also choose not to date you, ruining potential relationships (however, one could argue then they aren’t the one for you).

      Also, people tend to think they have a relationship with people they follow. This is not just OnlyFans but other influencers as well, but people learn about their lives and get invested. In terms of OnlyFans where there are chats and tip functions, it can make people particularly believe they have a special one-on-one relationship and I found in my research several cases where subscribers have seen the content creators out in real life and felt they had the right to approach them.

5. 

   savannahleigh

   30/04/2025

   Hi SammLaw,

   It’s encouraging to see others engaging passionately in discussions about OnlyFans and the platform’s alluring nature, particularly in relation to how it may influence impressionable young women. I share your concern about the ways in which some creators are using cross-promotion on platforms with predominantly younger audiences, such as TikTok and Instagram, to direct traffic to their OnlyFans profiles.

   One might ask whether a platform that originally emerged as a symbol of female empowerment, enabling women to take control of their image and monetise the sexualisation imposed by society, has now shifted in purpose due to commercial greed. For instance, prominent OnlyFans creator Anna Paul, who has earned millions from the platform, appears to be pushing ethical boundaries. Not only through her cross-platform promotion strategy, but also through the marketing of her brightly coloured skincare brand, Paullie, which seems intentionally designed to appeal to her largely underage following.

   This raises important questions: Has corporate ambition compromised the original values of platforms like OnlyFans? Or are we facing a broader societal issue, where only a select group of creators gain popularity often through strategies that border on predatory marketing? This raises important ethical and cultural questions that deserve thoughtful examination.

   But I congratulate you on this paper, and for shedding insight onto the not-so-glamourous side to OnlyFans. Good job!

6. 

   SammLaw

   30/04/2025

   Hi savannahleigh,

   Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate your comment.

   If I am being honest, when doing research for this paper I watched several TikTok videos from influencers who were describing how to be successful as a OnlyFans model and they made it seem so easy and guaranteed, that even myself, someone who is long passed being a teen, who is fiercely private and does not post anything on social media thought just for a moment “maybe it is worth a try” so I cannot imagine how confusing it is to young teenagers who have not yet had a chance to grasp the reality of what an online digital footprint means and how it can impact your future. I agree with your suggestion that commercial greed and capitalism has really taken over. I am not against the sex worker industry and I think it does need to have fair and safe working environment, so removing the taboo stigmatism in society and having generally females creators feel empowered can be a positive. But I think it has gone passed this and instead might be influencing women to believe they are empowered when in reality they are just acting out societal roles for the male gaze.

   You also bring up a good point with Anna Paul and her brand Paulie, I wonder how much input she had on the branding and colour schemes, and how much was created by a corporate team.

7. 

   Renee

   30/04/2025

   Hi Samm,

   This paper really caught my attention, especially because I recently saw a TikTok/ Onlyfans creator promoting their profession to young adults who might not have fully understood the responsibilities it entails. Recently, I have noticed that platforms like OnlyFans have become more openly discussed, which has helped reduce some of the stigma and secrecy surrounding the industry.

   However, I still think that there’s some lingering stigma as a result of a dysfunctional patriarchy. Women in the industry are often judged or looked down upon by men, yet at the same time, those same men are often the ones funding and supporting their professions. This interesting contradiction shows how unfair and complex society is to women who work in this profession.

   I would love to hear your thoughts about this.

   1. 

      SammLaw

      01/05/2025

      Hi Renee,

      Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate your insight on what is such a complexed and long-standing issue in society. I agree that a lot of the stigma comes from the dysfunctional patriarchy.

      Its difficult, because on the one hand I do believe that the sex industry needs to be less stigmatised, for a number of reasons, some being that it would help promote a safer work environment and help have fair working conditions. A great way to remove the taboo nature is to talk about it more openly. OnlyFans and similar content can help influencers use their platforms to express agency and reclaim their bodies. It would also help in a transactional way to acknowledge the value of women as sexual objects. I think a long-standing issue in the patriarchy is that women are often not valued financially, for example unpaid labour of a housewife / stay at home mum.

      I also found in my research that while some women are finding OnlyFans empowering, there are others that believe it to be reinforcing gender roles that women are for pleasure and nothing else. And that its “subjugation of women by romanticizing and glamorizing the servicing of men’s sexual desires” I thought that was an interesting take. I watched several videos from successful OnlyFans models who have left their original careers because they make more from OnlyFans. Some of these women had been lawyers, teachers and nurses. So, highly educated and/or important roles in society. It is interesting that in our society an OnlyFans model can make more than a nurse which is arguably a more vital career. It is also a strange message to be passing to the younger generation as it might stop some young women from potentially dreaming of these other careers for themselves.

      I do not think its as simple as the more we talk about it the better it will get. Nor do I think that there are no negative repercussions to these conversations happening so openly. Like I said, while I think that the sex worker industry should be less stigmatised, I do also think it should not be directed to children and young teens. I personally believe that ethically we should try and protect children from these and unfortunately this has become a lot harder with the internet and social media.

8. 

   Yasnaia Allen

   01/05/2025

   Hi SammLaw,

   I found your points about the challenges of balancing visibility and anonymity, and how younger audiences might be influenced by OnlyFans creators, particularly insightful.

   I also agree with your argument about the persistence of stigma. Even successful creators like Anna Paul, despite her large following and business ventures, have recently faced backlash, showing that negative perceptions around sex work can still resurface, regardless of success. Do you think this ongoing stigma will make it harder for creators to transition into mainstream career long term?

   1. 

      SammLaw

      02/05/2025

      Hello Yasnaia,

      Thanks for your comment.

      I think it depends on what the creator wants to do long term. While I do not think they will completely be able to shake their history as an OnlyFans model if they want a public profile as an influencer or something along those lines, then they might not be held back by their OnlyFans career. They would not be hired as the next Wiggle but if they are forging their own career path the “negative” publicity might even help with marketing.

      For those that have a change of heart and decide that they no longer want to be in the public profile, or those who did not make a liveable wage with OnlyFans and are forced back into the traditional work force, I believe that they may face a backlash, especially those trying to work with children. There have been many cases of teachers and other childcare workers being fired because their OnlyFans career has been discovered. There are also hospitals and other companies in different professions (for example law firms) that have companies’ policies around backgrounds and second careers to protect their company reputation.

      Another potential area for backlash that is not financially linked is that of future dating. They may limit who wants to date / marry them, especially if they date someone of a certain faith. While this one is controversial in the sense, that if someone has a problem with their past, then I guess they just aren’t the right person for them and there is no issue with being single. But it is something that potentially younger creators are not giving much thought. It might also not be their future partner but instead the partners family. The social stigma may cause tension right from the start with future in-laws who do not approve (or worse have been subscribers). I mention this just because I think that potential future backlash from societal stigma can potentially come from anywhere and may be impossible to predict.

9. 

   Jelena S

   02/05/2025

   Hi SammLaw,

   Wow what a fascinating read!

   This is a powerful and well-reasoned essay that presents a clear and necessary perspective on the realities of OnlyFans as a career path. I absolutely agree with your view that, although the platform might present opportunities for a small number of creators, it is by no means a reliable or long-term choice for the majority on the platform. Many people, particularly younger women, may be misled into ignoring the long-term risks by the glamorisation of online sex work and the idea of instant success.

   What do you think could be done to better inform young people about the long-term risks of joining platforms like OnlyFans before they make that choice?

   1. 

      SammLaw

      03/05/2025

      Hi Jelena,

      Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.

      That’s a very interesting and complex question. I suppose age limitations could be put in place for social media which is something the talk about back and forth, and I think has both positive and negative aspects to it. But even if they do put age limitation on social media platforms I suspect young people will still find their way on them.

      Potentially better education on the subjects. Since reading others papers on this conference several have referenced the algorithm bubble and that is potentially a factor as to why people think its worth the risk as they are only seeing successful OF models. Either educating young people on understanding that your social media feed is only a small percentage or maybe having platforms change their algorithm to present a more rounded reality.

      Do you have any ideas on how to better represent the risk as well as the reward?

10. 

    Layla

    04/05/2025

    Hi Sam!

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading your paper as we spoke on similar ideas!

    Your paper presents a thorough critique of the implications surrounding OnlyFans, I found your argument around the idea that OnlyFans may contribute to the oversexualization of society while simultaneously creating harmful illusions of career viability and social acceptance very relevant.

    Your discussion of the blurred boundaries between empowerment and exploitation stood out, especially in your analysis of influencers like Anna Paul and Taraswrld. By contrasting their public personas with the less-glamorised reality of content creation on OnlyFans, you highlighted a critical gap between perception and lived experience. The concept of the “false sense of destigmatisation” was very interesting, especially as it relates to younger more impressionable audiences.

    I’m curious about your thoughts on how educational institutions or governments might play a role in mitigating the risks you’ve outlined. Do you think their should be clearer social media guidelines around online content to help young people make more informed choices? I’m also curious if you think it should become mandatory for OnlyFans influencers to speak on the dangers and stigmatisation of the industry if they have an online platform with minors following?

    Your research is a very thoughtful discussion on the long-term consequences of sex work in mainstream spaces like social media and OnlyFans, I very much enjoyed reading it!

    1. 

       SammLaw

       05/05/2025

       Hi Layla,

       Thanks for your comment.

       I am not sure if making the OnlyFans influencers speak out of the industry will work, or at least not work alone. While its a good idea especially as it might bring to light issues that younger audiences might not have thought of, for example, having friends and family become subscribers to your account and how to navigate that social aspect, also having strangers recognise you in public settings and feeling like they know you or are entitled to a conversation/photo cause they pay for a membership.
       However, if they are talking about how the work could possibly effect future careers because of stigma, I think that it would run into a similar issue of a false narrative, as successful content creators often have managed to do other careers because of their popularity and following size. For example, OnlyFans creator Anna Paul, has a skincare brand, Paullie, without her OnlyFans success she probably would not have been able to launch this. But just cause Anna Paul hasn’t had stigma hold her back doesn’t mean that it won’t happen to others, especially if they do not manage to mass the same follower numbers.

       While I am not against government restrictions and think they are probably helpful, I also think they will probably be easy enough for younger audiences to get around so again cannot work alone as the only restrictions in place. I think that parental and educational industries are also required to educate the younger generations, if nothing else to explain the algorithm bubble and that is potentially a factor as to why people think its worth the risk as they are only seeing successful OF models. Either educating young people on understanding that your social media feed is only a small percentage or maybe having platforms change their algorithm to present a more rounded reality.

       I think to truly help with the risks, it would be a very complexed and multi level approach. Did you have any ideas on ways we could approach this going forward as well?

       Thanks again for your comment, I really appreciate it.

       1. 

          Layla

          09/05/2025

          Hi SammLaw

          Thanks so much for your reply!

          You’re absolutely right that having OnlyFans creators speak out wouldn’t be enough on its own, though it could open up important conversations around things like public recognition and long-term impact. I agree that using stigma as a warning is tricky, especially when some creators go on to succeed in other industries, like Anna Paul. It’s important we don’t generalise from those high-profile cases.

          I’ve also been thinking about things like content warnings or in-app context labels for sensitive content, something to add nuance without relying solely on bans.

          Would love to hear more of your thoughts too!

          Thanks again! Layla

11. 

    Lily

    04/05/2025

    Hi SammLaw,
    You have chosen a complex and relevant topic, and I found you paper very nuanced with consideration of both the potential risks and rewards. I think your discussion of whether Onlyfans is an empowering tool to achieve financial freedom or whether it enforces the “subjugation of women” by glamorising sex work is especially important as the platforms gains popularity amongst younger audiences. Whilst I support the de-stigmatisation of sex work and do not believe it should be looked down upon, I find the romanticisation/glamorisation of it online very worrying. I can only imagine how women who have no other choice than to partake in sex work feel when they see the luxurious lifestyles being promoted by the likes of Anna Paul and Sophie Rain. I think it’s very dangerous to sell the idea of Onlyfans being a viable and ‘easy’ career option, when the reality for most everyday women is that they will never earn millions or even a liveable amount off the platform.

    There are accounts from many women about the difficulties doing online sex work presents in real life, from problems in relationships (which you mention) to body image and mental health issues. Do you think there is a way to educate young women on social media more comprehensively about the risks of trying platforms like Onlyfans?

    Thanks for the interesting read!

    1. 

       SammLaw

       05/05/2025

       Hello Lily,

       Thanks for your comment.

       I think that your word choice of “easy career” really nails part of the issue on the head. While I to support the de-stigmatisation of sex work, I found when doing my research that many younger females were now viewing OnlyFans work as not only “easy” but also a guaranteed success. In their heads they would work for a few hours a week and amass millions. This is not the case for most and even the ones that do have a successful career have not done so without their own scarifies, for example privacy.

       I think going forward with education is just as complex as the situation itself and I think that it is required from many levels, including direct parental boundaries, regulations from the social media platforms themselves and potentially government restrictions. But these are all easier said than done.

       Before the conference when I had thought of social media platform regulations I had been thinking more about age restrictions of users and also restrictions on content creators and what they can and cannot post. Or potentially when making post what they need to declare, for example when it became a requirement they needed to post if something as an ad / paid post. However, since reading others conference papers, several have referenced the algorithm bubble and that is potentially a factor as to why people think its worth the risk as they are only seeing successful OF models, so I have now thought that one of the changes platforms could implement is a change in their algorithm to present a more rounded reality.

       I think to truly help with the risks, it would be a very complexed and multi level approach. Did you have any ideas on ways we could approach this going forward as well?

       Thanks again for your comment, I really appreciate it.

12. 

    Noah Etherington (21681295)

    05/05/2025

    Hi Samm! Again, thank you for interacting with my paper!

    I agree with your paper, that OnlyFans contributes to the oversexualization of society and leads a false belief that sex work stigma has diminished, particularly impacting young women online. I’d like to hear what specific societal or policy changes you believe are necessary to address the challenges faced by sexualised content creators, especially regarding their ability to transition to traditional workforce roles without stigma?

    1. 

       SammLaw

       05/05/2025

       Hi Noah,

       Thanks for coming and commenting on my paper as well.

       I think the challenges are very complexed which is why, going forward what is required would be a multi levels approach, which would not change things over night. Things such as, but not limited to, direct parental boundaries, regulations from the social media platforms themselves and potentially government restrictions. But these are all easier said than done.
       While I am not against government restrictions and think they are probably helpful, I also think they will probably be easy enough for younger audiences to get around so again cannot work alone as the only restrictions in place. But government restrictions might help with overall social pressure so that its not as easy for content creators to keep putting out content that reaches young audiences and might also help parents work out how to set boundaries with their children.

       Before the conference when I had thought of social media platform regulations, I had been thinking more about age restrictions of users and also restrictions on content creators and what they can and cannot post. Or potentially when making post what they need to declare, for example when it became a requirement they needed to post if something as an ad / paid post. However, since reading others conference papers, several have referenced the algorithm bubble and that is potentially a factor as to why people think its worth the risk as they are only seeing successful OF models, so I have now thought that one of the changes platforms could implement is a change in their algorithm to present a more rounded reality.

       I think to truly help with the risks, it would be a very complexed and multi-level approach. Did you have any ideas on ways we could approach this going forward as well?
       Thanks again for your comment, I really appreciate it.

13. 

    pangi

    05/05/2025

    Hi Sam, your paper really caught my attention as OnlyFans is super prevalent in this day and age.

    I really liked how you broke down the whole OnlyFans discussion in a super balanced way. It was interesting how you showed both sides: the idea of empowerment versus the long-term risks, especially with things like job opportunities outside the platform. The part about how success stories like Anna Paul can give people a false idea of how easy or sustainable it is really stood out to me.

    It reminded me of my own paper, where I looked at how influencer culture on TikTok and Instagram pushes toxic masculinity onto young guys. Similar to your points, I found that a lot of content gets glamorised online and can really shape how people view themselves and their future without realising the consequences.

    One thing I was curious about, do you think the way creators label themselves (like “influencer” or “model” instead of “sex worker”) actually helps reduce stigma, or do you think it just hides it without really changing how society sees them?

    Also feel free to check out my paper if you’re interested: https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2025/csm/5491/toxic-by-algorithm-the-hidden-cost-of-influencer-culture-on-young-men/

    Would be keen to hear your thoughts.

    1. 

       SammLaw

       07/05/2025

       Hello Pangi,

       Thanks for commenting on my paper, I really appreciate it.

       Interesting question. On the one hand online sex work, like OnlyFans and camming for example, come in such a wide range of how they are done. From actual sex on camera, to masturbation on camera, showing everything to alluding to things, photos vs videos, etc that I can see how some people in this industry would want different names to identify themselves within the community. I came about this in my research a few times “perceived hierarchy or the ‘whorearchy’ with the sex worker community”. So I came to the opinion that the labels were both useful and empowering and damaging depending on who you speak to. As with all things, its hard to make everyone happy.

       So in some ways I do think it is useful, as someone sharing videos is technically different to someone who is an actual physical prostitute. Different level of safety and risk in more ways than one. This also means that it might be easier for the general community to accept a “model” or “influencers” as they aren’t actually going to be passing on STDs or sleep with someone’s husband. Therefore having the potential to reducing the stigma in society.

       I also think it might then detach the content creator from the work, so that they then see themselves as separate to the sex industry and potential believe into the hierarchy, that they are the “better” sex worker and therefore might be surprised when stigma does follow them later with potential consequences, like not getting future work in different industries or someone not wanting to date them as they do not want to be associated with a sex worker.

14. 

    Isabelle Service

    06/05/2025

    Hi SammLaw,

    I loved reading this essay, it presents a thorough and cautionary analysis of OnlyFans as a driver of over sexualisation and a misleading image of empowerment. However, I’d like to push back on the idea that increasing visibility of sex work online is inherently harmful or that aspiring to financial autonomy via platforms like OnlyFans is a “false belief.” Is it possible that what is being critiqued here is not the platform itself, but our society’s refusal to evolve its views on sex work?
    Instead of warning young people away from sex work, shouldn’t we be asking why society still punishes them for making that choice?

    Isabelle

    1. 

       SammLaw

       07/05/2025

       Hello Isabelle,

       Thanks for commenting on my paper, I really appreciate it.

       One of the reasons why I did this topic is cause I myself can go back and forth on whether or not making sex work more mainstream is negative or positive. As sex work has always been there I think it’s a naïve thought to think it will go away from society, so it is important to instead create a safe environment and remove the stigma. I do not think those who make online sex industry content should be punished, and I would argue the ones that are doing very well are not (at least not from a business perceptive). However, I do think its misleading to provide information, often times to younger viewers that its guaranteed. I suppose part of my issue is that it is being influenced as a career choice to people that are probably too young to be considering it as an option.

       Like you said it is not necessarily a false belief, but along with access to influencers, younger audience need to have a more balanced view on what it means as a career cause like everything supply and demand will change how successful they are. The more people who choose it as a career in theory the less that will make large amounts of money. OnlyFans is a relatively new platform so it was easier or those who paved the way to make money. That content will not disappear from the internet so every new content creator has to compete with both new and old content for them to be seen and make money.

15. 

    Justin

    06/05/2025

    Hi Samm Law, after reading your paper and the comments, I notice some similarities with the mental health research by Lind and Wickström, which discusses how female influencers navigate the pressures of appearing authentic while remaining marketable which are the similar pressures for OnlyFans creators. An extension of your paper might be to analyse these psychological pressures plus vulnerability and positivity for young women entering OnlyFans.

    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/13678779231210583

    1. 

       SammLaw

       07/05/2025

       Hello Justin,

       Thanks for the link, I will defiantly give it a read. I appreciate it 🙂

16. 

    kianapanpone

    06/05/2025

    Wow SammLaw, that was a great read that can definitely stir up great discussions as I have read in the comments so far

    The paper was a thorough exploration of the illusion of empowerment. I also could not help but think about how it ties into trends like performative body positivity, where creates present a stage performance online but it is shaped by what sells rather than what is authentic.

    What stood out for me was how common the platform has become, and yet we rarely heard the dark sides of those who do not ‘make it’. Many end up quietly returning to their 9-5 lives but with a digital footprint that follows them, sometimes leading to job loss or judgement from peers.

    It raises a big question: if we celebrate freedom and empowerment in ONE context, then why are professionals (especially women and LGBTQ+ who are the predominant demographic in the Only Fans creation ) punished in others? I mainly thought about roles in teaching where parents raise concerns about boundaries in professions. What are the lines between personal freedom and public responsibility? Just one of my many thoughts on this topic.

    1. 

       SammLaw

       07/05/2025

       Hello kianapanpone,

       Thanks for commenting on my paper, I really appreciate it.

       You also bring up a really good point that I had not heard yet, which is that while OnlyFans is a very popular platform and those successful on the platform are also generally known on other platforms as well, we often do not hear a lot about those who could not make a liveable wage and leave. I too wonder why that is and honestly do not have an answer as I did not come across it in my research. But my first thought is, shame. That people who “fail” to “make it” do not want to tell people this. Potentially for a number of reasons, one being that its a very personal issue and its linked to peoples bodies and this can then further link to their self worth.

       Maybe they think they did not make it cause they were “not good looking enough” and other negative thoughts like this, therefore do not want to tell people this as they think it might lead to further shame and embarrassment when people respond with “why did you think you were sexy enough in the first place?” (I do not think all people would respond this way but if they are in a negative spiral they are more likely to think people are against them).

       I also imagine another reason is supply and demand and that the internet is such a large void, things go out and can just disappear unless it manages to hit the right trend at the right time. This very reason is probably why they did not “make it” to begin with, and then when they have to announce they failed or are leaving, it goes into the same internet void where its just not seen.

       The line between personal freedom and your profession is also a very complex one. Because there have been rules in certain professions for years. Some I believe are very out dated, however others make sense. I would not want a teacher to also be in a white-power group on the weekends. So I can see why professions like schools have rules in place on what teachers can do even though its not directly related to their work. However, these same rules would have once excluded someone because of their sexuality so they rightfully needed to be updated and you can argue that maybe this is the same for the sex industry. But as I am not a parent I also do not know what its like having to balance raising a child and protecting them from being influenced by the internet, and can imagine that it would get ethically hard if a young boy could look up their teach and watch sex videos of them.

       Have you any thoughts on lines between personal freedom and public responsibility?

17. 

    Rachel

    08/05/2025

    Hi SammLaw!

    I love the topic that you have written. It gives a well-rounded and critical look at OnlyFans, especially in terms of how it blurs the line between empowerment and exploitation. I found the discussion around the shift in societal perception of sex work particularly thought-provoking.

    One question: Do you think OnlyFans has become a realistic path to financial freedom, or is that only true for those with certain privileges such as beauty, existing followers or tech skills?

    1. 

       SammLaw

       11/05/2025

       Hi Rachel,

       Thanks for your comment, its an interesting question.

       When watching Taraswrld one of her “instructional videos” on how to be an OF models, she said something along the lines of “I do not know why everyone does not do it, its such an easy way to make money” and besides from the obvious, which is if everyone did it the supply and demand would be out and it would not be a way to make money. I thought when watching that video, that it probably is not that easy for as you put it people without certain privileges such as beauty. While there might be some that fit into a certain niche, I imagine that it is a much smaller marker, and things like age, body weight, skin conditions, traditional beauty and whether or not someone is disabled or not, among many other factors would play a large part on whether or not OnlyFans can truly provide a liveable wage or not.

18. 

    hannah.mannion

    08/05/2025

    Hello Samm,

    Wow, this was definitely an interesting read. I also found it rather interesting reading through some of the responses made on this paper. After reading your paper, I wanted to give my honest and probably rather brutal opinion on my thoughts of this platform ‘OnlyFans’.

    To me personally, reading this essay only confirmed how far society has strayed from what I believe are healthy values. I’ve grown to really dislike platforms like OnlyFans, and especially creators like Anna Paul. This is due to her blatant and tactical way she’s turned explicit content into a cash machine, then leveraged that for business ventures and fame. It’s not empowerment, it’s exploitation dressed up as entrepreneurship. She posts provocative content across mainstream platforms to boost her following, knowing full well it reaches audiences far too young to be exposed to this kind of material. It’s honestly disturbing how normalised this has become.

    I genuinely believe the world has gone mad. These platforms are chipping away at the foundation of honest, committed relationships by normalising dishonesty, cheating, and constant sexual availability. It’s no wonder traditional relationships are harder to find. Due to people being conditioned to view others as disposable, and content creators on sites like OnlyFans are completely fuelling this. This kind of work is not normal. It’s not “empowering”, as a matter of fact, It’s dangerous and regressive, and it’s setting us back as a society.

    It frustrates me that people are capitalising on this type of ‘work’ and calling OnlyFans their ‘job’. We’ve created a culture that rewards exploitation over effort, fame over integrity. I’d much rather associate myself with someone who works hard in a proper job, whether that’s in healthcare, trades, law, medicine, teaching, the list goes on and on, literally anything that genuinely contributes to society. We need to stop pretending this kind of content is aspirational. It’s not. It’s part of the problem.

    Thank you for writing such an educational piece about quite a controversial topic. Just as others are entitled to share their opinions, I wanted to express mine as well. Well done once again!

    1. 

       SammLaw

       11/05/2025

       Hello hannah.mannion,

       Thanks for your comment, I appreciate you taking the time to read my paper and share some of your views. I think discussion on these topics are truly needed.

       Thanks again.

19. 

    ben.merendino

    09/05/2025

    Hi Samm,

    This was such a powerful and well-argued piece. I really appreciated how you explored both sides of the conversation around OnlyFans — particularly the tension between perceived empowerment and the long-term social and professional consequences for content creators. Your use of examples like Anna Paul, Taraswrld, and Victoria Sinus helped ground the argument in real-world relevance.

    One question I had while reading: do you think platforms like OnlyFans should be more responsible for educating new creators about the risks and long-term implications of joining? For example, should they be required to provide clearer warnings or onboarding material around privacy, income instability, and stigma?

    One idea you might consider expanding on is how young audiences interpret this kind of content crossover on platforms like TikTok — maybe by including more on how algorithmic exposure works and the difficulty of avoiding adult-adjacent content even with restrictions in place.

    My own paper looks at how social media algorithms trap young people in filter bubbles, limiting their exposure to diverse perspectives. While the focus is different, we both explore how digital platforms can create misleading realities for impressionable audiences. If you’re curious, feel free to check it out: The Harmful Impacts of Social Media on Australian Adolescents.

    Really great work, Samm — this was eye-opening and incredibly well-researched!

    1. 

       SammLaw

       11/05/2025

       Hi Ben,

       Thanks for your comment.

       I think it might be a good idea for platforms like OnlyFans to take more responsibility, but I am not sure how they would actually communicate that without it being a long “terms and conditions” that people accept and never actually read.

       I did start looking into algorithm but its such a complexed issue on its own I did not have the word count for that as well, so I would love to read your paper on the topic.

       Thanks again for your comment.