Making Money on OnlyFans? A Study on the Promotion of Erotic Content Platforms on Social Media and their Influence on Adolescents

Abstract

The sexualization of digital culture has raised concerns about its impact on adolescents' psychosocial development, especially in relation to gender dynamics, self-image, and opportunities for empowerment. However, there is a notable gap in studies on how adolescents perceive and interact with sexual content creation platforms. This study explores how OnlyFans' social media promotion influences young people, presenting erotic content creation as an accessible and empowering source of income, especially for females. Drawing on sociocultural theories, it investigates how repeated exposure to sexualized media and the promotion of such platforms contributes to the internalization of gender norms and the commodification of intimacy. A qualitative focus group design was used with 164 high school students, aged 12–16 years, from both urban and rural areas in Guadalajara, Spain. A reflexive thematic analysis was applied, addressing three key aspects: (i) knowledge of the platform, (ii) media overexposure and (iii) consumption of sexual content. The results indicate that adolescents are aware of and access OnlyFans, despite being minors. In addition, they perceive the platform as an attractive professional alternative, especially for girls who meet the canons of beauty. Some participants justified their interest by appealing to sexual agency and economic benefits, minimizing risks such as cyberbullying or exploitation. The normalization of sexual objectification and commodification of intimacy reinforce sexist attitudes and perpetuate gender inequality. This study highlights the need for comprehensive digital education, increased regulation and family strategies to promote healthy attitudes towards sexuality.