Online Sex Work and Subscription-Based Digital Platforms: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Sociology of digital platforms
• Marketing and consumer behavior
• Media studies and online communication

Background:

• The proliferation of adult content creation platforms necessitates a re-evaluation of social norms and marketing strategies.
• Academic inquiry into this domain remains limited, highlighting a critical research gap.
• Subscription-based digital platforms are transforming the landscape of adult content production and consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing academic research on adult content creators active on subscription platforms.
• To identify key themes, methodologies, and findings within the nascent body of literature.
• To discuss the implications of current research for understanding creator identities and experiences.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed, adhering to a pre-established protocol.
• A systematic search and selection process identified 17 relevant academic studies.
• Data extraction focused on research fields, creator definitions, study topics, results, and future research directions.

Main Results:

• The existing literature predominantly utilizes qualitative approaches, with a significant focus on OnlyFans creators.
• While academic literature often labels individuals as "content creators," participants frequently self-identify as "sex workers."
• Recurring themes in creator narratives mirror those found in traditional sex work literature.

Conclusions:

• The current research landscape is characterized by a qualitative focus on creator experiences, particularly on platforms like OnlyFans.
• A significant divergence exists between academic terminology and creator self-identification, with "sex worker" being a prevalent self-descriptor.
• Further research is needed to explore the nuances of digital sex work and its intersection with evolving social and marketing practices.