OnlyFans, the platform notorious for “exclusive” and often sexual content, has become a lucrative side hustle for teachers and celebrities alike. Earning eye-popping sums of money has prompted many professionals to leave their day jobs as employers find out about their side gig. However, the platform has generated significant backlash in American culture, with debates over whether it is truly degrading or a way to monetize online content.
Teachers have turned to OnlyFans in particular to supplement their income, and many have been met with consequences from their school districts. Megan Gaither and Brianna Coppage, both teachers from the same high school in Missouri, were recently placed on leave after district administrators found out they were operating personal OnlyFans accounts. This has raised many questions about personal freedoms and employment consequences, as well as the legal uncertainties surrounding termination based on involvement in the adult entertainment industry.
Gaither, who owes $125,000 in student loans, made an OnlyFans account to help pay off her debt. Coppage, who previously made $42,000 as a teacher, has now become one of the platform’s top creators, raking in nearly $1 million since starting her account in the summer. The rise of OnlyFans during the COVID-19 pandemic can explain the widespread success of the platform.
The platform features a variety of content ranging from nude images and pornographic videos to scantily clad women doing yoga or cooking. Despite its taboo nature, proponents argue that OnlyFans provides a way for individuals to monetize otherwise unremarkable online content. However, the platform’s increasing popularity has sparked a bigger conversation about the commodification of intimacy and the ethics of the sex work industry.
The shift towards online content creation has resulted in more individuals earning passive income, but also raises concerns about how sex work is represented and commodified. OnlyFans’ popularity might suggest the normalization of sex work, while opponents staunchly disagree that it is empowering to women. Regardless, OnlyFans has become a lucrative opportunity that many individuals are willing to explore.
OnlyFans’ rise to notoriety has created a cultural zeitgeist surrounding the platform. While some individuals may choose to engage with it for financial gain, others question the impact it has on society. The rise of OnlyFans and its increasing popularity amongst teachers has brought to the forefront issues about personal freedoms and employment rights. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how platforms like OnlyFans will continue to shape the economy and cultural landscape of the internet.
