Exploitative Influences and Risky Behaviour

• False Idols and Unrealistic Expectations: The platform often portrays a skewed reality, highlighting the extravagant lives of some creators who may not be representative of the majority. This can lead young people to develop unrealistic expectations about the platform’s earning potential and the ease of success, potentially setting them up for disappointment and financial hardship. A recent BBC documentary, #Nudes4Sale, investigated the rise of under-18s selling explicit content online, finding a concerning number of young people motivated by the perceived financial freedom portrayed on OnlyFans.
• Vulnerability to Online Predators: The nature of OnlyFans content and the platform’s direct communication features can expose young individuals to online predators. These predators can use manipulative tactics, like grooming, to coerce young people into creating or sharing explicit content, putting them at risk of emotional abuse and exploitation. According to The Guardian, Childline, a UK helpline for children, reported a rise in calls from young people experiencing online pressure related to creating or sharing explicit content.
• Normalising Explicit Content: The constant exposure to sexually suggestive content can normalise it for young minds, potentially desensitising them to its potential consequences and impacting their understanding of healthy relationships and sexuality. A Channel 4 News report explored the concern that easily accessible explicit content on platforms like OnlyFans is contributing to a “pornification” of young people’s understanding of sex and relationships.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

• Body Image Issues and Self-Esteem: The platform’s emphasis on physical appearance and the constant comparison to often-edited content can negatively impact body image and contribute to low self-esteem, particularly in young people who are still developing self-identity. A report by the NSPCC, a UK child protection charity, highlighted the significant link between social media use and body image issues in young people, and platforms like OnlyFans, with its focus on appearance, can exacerbate these problems.
• Addiction and Compulsive Behaviour: Features like ‘pay-per-view’ content and the pressure to maintain an online presence can trigger addictive behaviours, leading to unhealthy screen time habits and potentially impacting mental health. A study by the University of London found a correlation between increased social media use and compulsive behaviors in young people, and the specific features of OnlyFans can further contribute to this risk.
• Cyberbullying and Harassment: Young creators can be vulnerable to online bullying and harassment, further exacerbating mental health struggles and potentially leading to emotional trauma and social isolation. A recent report by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) found that online bullying has become a major concern for young people, and platforms like OnlyFans, where creators directly interact with viewers, can create a breeding ground for harmful behavior.

Promoting Safe and Responsible Online Engagement

While recognising the potential dangers of OnlyFans, it’s also important to acknowledge that simply banning young people from the platform doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. We need a multi-pronged approach.

• Open Communication and Education: Open conversations with young people about the platform’s potential drawbacks and the importance of critical thinking online are crucial to fostering responsible online engagement.
• Focus on Emotional Literacy: Equipping young people with tools to develop healthy self-esteem and positive body image can help them navigate the pressures and messages they encounter on platforms like OnlyFans.
• Parental Guidance and Support: Parents and guardians play a vital role in monitoring online activity and providing guidance about online safety and responsible behaviour. This includes setting clear boundaries and fostering open communication to ensure young people feel comfortable seeking support and voicing concerns.

OnlyFans may offer opportunities for some, but it’s a platform fraught with dangers for young people. By engaging in open conversations, promoting emotional literacy, and fostering responsible online behaviour, we can ensure that young people navigate this platform, and the digital world in general, with awareness and safety.