Objects and Agents? Social Perception of OnlyFans Content Creators

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Sexual objectification often leads to perceptions of reduced humanity and agency in women.
• Previous research indicates objectified individuals may be denied basic human capacities like planning and self-control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if female OnlyFans content creators, often subject to sexual objectification, are perceived as less than fully human.
• To examine the attribution of agency and free will to OnlyFans creators compared to other female targets.

Main Methods:

• Four experimental studies were conducted with a total of 984 male participants.
• Participants evaluated OnlyFans creators, non-OnlyFans creators, and umbrella girls on agency and free will.
• Creator income and motivation (intrinsic vs. extrinsic) were manipulated in some studies.

Main Results:

• Male participants objectified OnlyFans creators more than other female targets.
• Contrary to expectations, creators were not denied agency and were attributed more free will.
• Creator income influenced self-determination, and intrinsic motivation increased perceptions of self-determination.

Conclusions:

• Sexual objectification of OnlyFans creators does not necessarily lead to dehumanization or denial of agency.
• Motivation for content creation significantly impacts perceptions of creator self-determination.
• Gender of the participant moderated the relationship between motivation and perceived self-determination.