A new study has raised alarms among parents, educators, and policy-makers after revealing that adolescents as young as 12 not only know about OnlyFans but view it as a potentially appealing and empowering way to earn money, setting it alongside or even above traditional work or educational pathways. The research, conducted in Spain and published in Sexuality & Culture, uncovers how the normalization of erotic content platforms is influencing how young people, especially girls, perceive economic opportunity, self-worth, and sexuality (PsyPost).
Concerns about hypersexualized digital culture have been mounting worldwide, and this study’s findings are especially relevant for Thai society, where social media adoption is high and conversations about online safety and youth mental health are gaining urgency. The research shines a spotlight on how teens interpret and internalize messages from platforms like OnlyFans, many of which are promoted widely across mainstream social media channels such as TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.
According to the study, which engaged 164 high school students aged 12 to 16 in urban and rural areas through focus group discussions, even younger adolescents possessed a sophisticated understanding of OnlyFans’ business model—including how content monetization works and how popularity and physical appearance can lead to higher earnings. Strikingly, many participants perceived content creation on such platforms as a personal choice, an act of agency, or a “smart” way to get ahead financially, while often minimizing or disregarding serious risks such as exploitation, stolen content, online harassment, and long-term psychological consequences.
The perception of OnlyFans as both financially lucrative and more appealing than traditional jobs appeared repeatedly, with both boys and girls citing stories of creators reportedly earning significant sums via the platform. Sex and self-presentation were described as strategic moves, especially for those disillusioned with traditional education or lacking access to good job opportunities. “We were struck by how naturally adolescents discussed OnlyFans, demonstrating a clear understanding of its subscription-based model and even sharing techniques to bypass age restrictions,” researcher Kristel Anciones-Anguita told PsyPost. Girls, in particular, voiced concerns about body image, unsolicited messages, and the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards, while expressing varying degrees of discomfort with the sexual content associated with OnlyFans.
However, researcher Anciones-Anguita also highlighted that some girls raised questions about the nature of agency and choice when financial hardship is involved: “Some said it was a personal choice, while others pointed out that financial need often makes the decision feel less than voluntary. A few even likened it to prostitution, questioning whether anyone truly chooses to sell intimate content if they are struggling economically.” These observations echo broader debates about empowerment, gender norms, and the commodification of intimacy.
Many boys in the study reported exposure to OnlyFans promotions through group chats, pirated content, and pop-up ads, with several admitting they accessed explicit material by circumventing age restrictions. Boys generally regarded the platform as a financial opportunity, though they saw it as easier and potentially more lucrative for girls. These gendered differences in attitudes and experiences mirror persistent inequalities in how boys and girls are socialized around sex and self-expression, with implications for body image, self-esteem, and online safety.
One of the study’s most worrying findings is the normalization of financial “trade-offs” among teens, with many considering the risk of exploitation, future regret, or reputational harm as acceptable prices for immediate monetary gain. Experts caution that this attitude reinforces a “neoliberal sexual entrepreneurship” mindset, in which young people, especially girls, are encouraged to market their bodies and sexuality as assets—a trend facilitated and amplified by the viral sharing of “success stories” and apparent wealth on social media. “Constant exposure to sexualized content through social media can significantly shape how adolescents view sexuality, empowerment, and economic opportunity,” Anciones-Anguita emphasized. “Many teens — especially boys — perceive OnlyFans as a viable path to financial independence, often overlooking associated risks like exploitation, cyberbullying, and long-term psychological consequences” (Sexuality & Culture, 2025).
For Thailand, whose youth are among the world’s most avid social media users (Statista), these findings call for immediate reflection and action. Contemporary Thai culture balances conservative views about sexuality and strong family traditions with a thriving online culture where teens regularly encounter international trends, influencers, and business models. This blending creates unique pressures and risks: as Thai youngsters are bombarded with aspirational content, the boundary between self-expression, economic desperation, and exploitation can become dangerously blurred.
Thailand’s socio-economic inequalities and the high visibility of gig economy success stories further complicate these dynamics. Many rural or underprivileged youth, facing limited educational or employment options, may become especially susceptible to promises of easy money via social media platforms. While no publicized large-scale study has documented Thai teens’ attitudes toward platforms like OnlyFans, anecdotal accounts and the proliferation of related hashtags and conversations on local social media suggest a growing awareness and interest among adolescents.
The Spanish researchers emphasize that current education and regulatory systems lag far behind these digital realities. They advocate for comprehensive sexuality education programs that go beyond warnings and basic online safety to address power dynamics, digital citizenship, body image, financial literacy, and critical thinking in the context of sexualized digital culture. “Schools should implement programs that teach digital literacy, critical thinking, and respectful communication, with a special focus on how gender and power shape online interactions,” the research team recommends.
Action at multiple levels is crucial. Parents are urged to initiate open, nonjudgmental conversations with children about online behavior, digital identity, and media influence. These conversations should invite honest questions and empower young people to develop resilience and skepticism toward commodified representations of success and empowerment. At the same time, governments and tech platforms are called upon to strengthen regulatory protections—through more effective age verification, restrictions on algorithm-driven exposure to adult content, and greater transparency about how platforms target and promote content to minors.
For Thai families, educators, and policymakers, the lessons from this study are clear and timely. As the digital economy grows and boundaries between online and offline lives break down, adolescents require nuanced guidance—rooted in empathy, respect, and an understanding of both global and local values. National regulation and school curriculum reform should be accompanied by culturally sensitive media literacy initiatives, including skill-building activities that address self-worth, body autonomy, and the long-term consequences of sharing intimate content. For Thailand’s Buddhist-majority society, community leaders and religious organizations may also play a positive role in facilitating inclusive conversations about values, well-being, and responsible technology use.
Looking ahead, the researchers behind the Spanish study plan to expand their research to other countries to gauge the cross-cultural impact of platforms like OnlyFans on adolescent development. Their goal is to help educators, families, and governments develop responsive educational materials and regulatory guidelines suited to evolving digital environments. For now, the urgent takeaway is that the digital spaces where Thai children and teens are growing up must be taken seriously. They are spaces of risk, but also of agency and possibility; the challenge is to help young people navigate them wisely and safely.
For Thai readers, a practical response is to become proactive digital citizens—stay informed about the platforms and trends teens are discussing, engage in honest dialogue about risks and choices, and demand robust school- and state-level reforms. Schools should partner with local health and child protection groups to update sex education and digital literacy content, while parents can seek out resources and support on talking to children about sexuality and economic pressures.
Ultimately, safeguarding the well-being of Thai youth in an increasingly digital world requires a whole-of-society approach—one that combines up-to-date information, supportive community structures, and adaptive regulations to address the fast-moving realities of adolescent life online.
Sources: PsyPost, Sexuality & Culture, Statista