OnlyFans Attracts Thousands of Young Applicants Amid Concerns Over Sexualization

A recent opportunity for young women to sell sexualized images on OnlyFans attracted 12,000 applications from Gen Z individuals, highlighting a growing trend in online sexual content. This incident raises questions about the normalization of such practices among youth in the digital age.

The surge in interest comes as platforms like OnlyFans blur the lines between influence and exploitation. Critics argue that the rise of social media has commodified youth and sexuality, with many influencers building careers around sexualized branding. A 2021 UCLA study found that 38 percent of Californians aged 18-30 reported having no sexual partner in the past year, marking the highest level of sexual inactivity in a decade.

Psychologist Jan Antfolk notes that societal dynamics play a role in this trend, stating, “Men — regardless of their age — have a preference for women in their 20s.” This preference creates a substantial audience for young creators, fostering a pipeline from early fame to sexualized monetization.

Bella Thorne, who gained fame at a young age, joined OnlyFans in 2020 and became the first person to earn $1 million in just 24 hours. Her success prompted the platform to implement new payment caps and payout rules, reflecting the impact of high-profile influencers on the industry.

Sophie Rain, a 20-year-old creator, claims to have earned $76 million in just over a year on OnlyFans. She co-founded the Bop House, a collective of young creators who produce content that often skirts explicitness while directing followers to their OnlyFans pages. This model has drawn in a young audience, raising concerns about the influence on minors.

Piper Rockelle, who recently turned 18, has collaborated with Bop House members, sparking debate among social media users. Some view her involvement as harmless, while others express concern over the potential risks of young influencers associating with adult content creators. One commenter remarked, “Piper was absolutely failed. A minor should not be concerning herself or anywhere near porn stars this much.”

Lil Tay, who turned 18 in late July, quickly began posting content on OnlyFans, claiming to have made $1 million within three hours. She has positioned herself alongside other prominent Gen Z figures, such as Sabrina Carpenter and Sydney Sweeney, as part of a new wave of sexualized stardom. In a statement, she said, “I’ve been planning this since I was nine,” indicating a long-term strategy for her online persona.

Bhad Bhabie, known for her viral appearance on Dr. Phil, joined OnlyFans shortly after her 18th birthday in March 2021. She has since claimed to have earned $75 million from her content on the platform. Critics argue that the rapid transition from child star to adult content creator underscores the risks associated with early fame and the pressures of social media.

As the trend of young influencers entering the realm of sexualized content continues, concerns about the implications for youth culture and intimacy remain prevalent. The normalization of platforms like OnlyFans may lead to lasting changes in how young people perceive relationships and sexuality.