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Has OnlyFans Sold Its Soul?

8/29/2021

16 Comments

 
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by David Hagenbuch - professor of Marketing at Messiah University -
​author of 
Honorable Influence - founder of Mindful Marketing 

When you were a kid, people probably asked you, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”  It’s unlikely that anyone ever asked what you wouldn’t be willing to do for a living.  However, that uncommon question may actually be the more important one; at least that’s what OnlyFans’ off-again-on-again sex saga suggests.
 
Those familiar with OnlyFans were surprised to learn that the London-based online subscription service known for risqué content had suddenly decided to ban sexually-explicit videos.  The move, which seemed analogous to Budweiser abandoning alcohol, made me wonder whether the purveyor of virtual vice suddenly had a moral epiphany that left it feeling convicted and compelled to reform its ways.
 
However, my online search for an ethical impetus behind the pornography ban came up empty.  It appeared that the main motivation came down to processing payments and keeping credit lines open, since some of OnlyFans’ banks had become increasing uncomfortable with transactions tied to the sex industry.
 
On one level, OnlyFans did act on a moral imperative, but it wasn’t a strategy it selected willingly; rather it was behavior compelled by others and tied squarely to revenue retention.
 
The idea that there had been no real ethical enlightenment became all-the-more apparent when, within a matter of a few days, the company reversed its stance and lifted the pornography ban.
 
Any of us can change our minds on ethical issues (I sometimes do), but for an individual or organization to go from “this is so right,” to “this is so wrong,” to “this is so right,” within a matter of days, defies most moral compasses.
 
So, whether or not we agree with OnlyFans’ recent choices, it’s hard to lend the company moral capital for any of them.  Instead, we’re back to the most basic business ethics question:  Is OnlyFans’ business model a moral one, i.e., Is it right to sell sex?
 
Of course, selling sex has been happening for millennia, which is why prostitution is known as “the oldest profession.”  Also, throughout that time a very wide variety of sexual expression has been sold, from actual physical intercourse to subtle innuendo in advertising.
 
Over so much time and across so many different cultures, there’s bound to be differences of opinion about what constitutes appropriate sexual expression and how, if ever, if should be commercialized.  My convictions, which stem from a Christian worldview, provide guiding principles that admittedly are filtered through my interpretation.  I respect others’ distinct judgments and bases for beliefs because I don’t have it all figured out.
 
Still, there are four arguments I often hear in favor of commercializing sex that are hard for me to appreciate for reasons I’ll explain:
 
1) Diversity and Inclusion:  In a tweet describing the reversal of its pornography ban, OnlyFans said:
 
“Thank you to everyone for making their voices heard.  We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse community [emphasis added] and have suspended the planned October 1 policy change.  OnlyFans stands for inclusion [emphasis added] and we continue to provide a home for all creators.
 ​
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OnlyFans’ announcement reminds me of Frank Sinatra famously singing, “I did it may way,” as well as of many young people today saying, “You have to do you.”  All three sentiments suggest that what’s good is purely a personal decision, or what feels right for that individual.
 
Individuality is good in many ways, but personal diversity related to what a person does (i.e., their actions, behaviors) is different than who a person is (e.g., their race and gender).  Unfortunately, OnlyFans conflates the two.  People always deserve respect for who they are, but personal preference for what to do shouldn’t serve as the metric for what’s ethical.   
 
2) Free speech:  Reading and listening to interviews about the OnlyFans news, I heard several sex workers appeal to free speech, suggesting that what they sell is protected by freedom of expression.  In terms of U.S. constitutional law, it is true that not only words but actions, specifically symbolic ones, fall under the umbrella of free speech.
 
However, free speech doesn’t give the right “To make or distribute obscene materials” (Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476; 1957).  Granted, this prohibition is a legal one, not necessarily a moral one; still, it’s informative that those interpreting such important constitutional matters felt that free speech does not mean the right to say or do absolutely anything and that illicit expression is particularly deserving of censure.
 
3) Free Market System:  The interplay of supply and demand is effective for bringing about marketing efficiencies, but some seem to believe that if there are two consenting parties—a willing buyer and a willing seller—any exchange between them is inherently ethical.  Countering that notion is the moral axiom, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” 
 
In the vast majority of cases, sellers and buyer do self-regulate ethically; yet, there are plenty of instances in which parties to an exchange rationalize activities that most others say is wrong, e.g., murder for hire, distribution of illegal drugs, human trafficking, etc.  So, claiming that selling sex is okay because two collaborators want it does not hold much ethical weight.   
 
4) Jobs:  One of the greatest privileges a person can have is to do meaningful work.  Good jobs are important for individuals’ economic and emotional well-being, as well as for society as a whole.  However, in keeping with the previous point, not every job is a good job.
 
Some people make significant money and may even enjoy being arms dealers or animal poachers, but employment is not an absolute good.  What people do for pay matters.  A job that’s harmful to them or to others is not a worthwhile job.
 
It’s nice that sex workers can pay their bills, but there’s little or no redeeming value that sex workers can claim , i.e., “Here’s how we’re helping others and making this world a better place.”  If anything, sex work precipitates very adverse impacts, e.g., addiction, objectification, psychological scaring, and broken relationships.
 
Job security is one of life’s most motivating forces.  Many people will do almost anything to rationalize and retain their income stream, which evokes this article’s original question:  Is there anything you wouldn’t do for money?
 
Growing up and working in our family’s promotional products company, I clearly remember my father pulling aside calendar manufacturers’ catalogs that contained sexually explicit pictures and completely covering those pages with large decals so what was under them couldn’t be seen by our salespeople, our customers, or anyone else.
 
We could have done well financially marketing those lewd calendars to companies that wanted to buy them; however, my dad decided that offering them was not the right thing to do.  Selling sex was something he wouldn’t do for money.   
 
Although it may be economically advantageous, it’s morally unfortunate that people today can easily make money selling sex.  Hopefully, OnlyFans will at some point reconsider its largely illicit business model.  In the meantime, the company continues to be a purveyor of “Single-Minded Marketing.”
​
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16 Comments
Nathan Velazco
9/2/2021 04:06:53 pm

I find your distinction between who a person is and what they do interesting. I think I agree with you that there is a difference but in some circumstances it seems hard to differentiate. For example, there has been a large debate in culture recently on whether sexual orientation is simply a choice or an identity. Couldn't the sex worker or any worker in any profession claim that this is who they are in a similar way?

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Ryan
9/2/2021 09:10:28 pm

I believe that job security is one of life's most motivating forces is a great quote. Even more so than the amount that some people may make. It's interesting to recognize what exactly people would do for money and if their is a line that can be crossed. The question is obviously is there anything you wouldn't do for money, the answer to this obviously varies among some people but the line is further for some. That line may be in it's position because of their financial status or even their morals. It's always interesting to ask what is "crossing the line" for money.

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Noah Wiley
9/2/2021 09:53:39 pm

I think this is a great topic for discussion. One, it is interesting that any average Joe on the street would find interesting at least. But beyond that, this blog tackles the actual moral question that I have not even considered myself: is selling sex wrong? I'm inclined to say that said doesn't matter very much because creating other people do fall into lust is wrong. But I was still very interested to read your arguments. Points one, three, and four are arguments that I would not have considered myself and appreciate the logic that flows from them. Side note: in point number four you mentioned that porn causes more problems than solutions, which I completely agree with. But I'm wondering if you have ever heard of the organization Fight The New Drug (https://fightthenewdrug.org). If not, I'd encourage you to look into the work they do, which is to build awareness of the harmful effects of porn. That aside, I honestly enjoyed this read and am sure it'll come back to mind in the future.

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Jarrett LoConte
9/2/2021 11:43:06 pm

This is a very interesting subject to talk about. I think considering that not all profiles on Onlyfans is just sex or sex work, you cant just take down the entire site. However, you can create more guidelines, which is exactly what they did. It is such a tough decision to make as nowadays, you can get cancelled and publicly humiliated. Which is what you are seeing now. There are multiple tweets and accounts going after Only fans on Twitter. But that is the great thing about marketing, it can be done without trying, good or bad. I am split in the middle here. I will never talk down on any job. If they are making money to feed family and stuff, all power to them. I do not have much against any job, unless it is obviously a bad job.

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Dean Carver
9/3/2021 12:19:10 am

I find this very insightful and interesting. Sex, nowadays, is a part of our everyday lives, especially the Gen Z generation. People want to be liked and some might say they will do anything to get this attention or security. The affirmation of ones self is very similar, in my opinion, as to why men and women are willing to sell themselves, their integrity, and their security in who they are or want to be. Similar to people wanting attention, OnlyFans is a platform for people to be recognized on a global level, not only for attention but for profit. The question I keep asking myself is, if it's shaping the minds of the younger generation to objectify women, should women really complain when they are objectified? I am certainly not justifying actions taken by an insecure man or child looking for ways to fill his empty life by prowling on women. I am just questioning whether or not we as a society are fueling both men and women to do so. OnlyFans is not the only platform or job or any title you want to give yourself that uses sex to attract people and revenue. There are many others. It's not my job to tell someone how they should live their life, but it is my duty, as a Christian, to minister to as many people as I can when given the opportunity.

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Noah
9/3/2021 12:46:28 am

I find Onlyfans fascinating and this article even makes it more interesting. Onlyfans without a doubt is an easy way to make money and the weirdest thing about it is that so many people can have access to make money on Onlyfans. The Gen Z generation is unique in a way where we can be some of the laziest people alive but find some of the most ludicrous ways to make money. What's unique about Onlyfans is that it gives off this facade of attention towards the consumer while the seller makes a significant profit and yet they don't ever have to meet them. People could say that OnlyFans doesn't only have sexual profiles but nobody could ever deny that it is their bread and butter. On Twitter and other social media sites there are plenty of negative tweets and posts about OnlyFans, However considering what kind of product their website has, any publicity is good publicity for whatever user is promoting their page. it's definitely going to be a developing story as time unfolds, i really wonder if they'll have limitations on what people can post.

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Caleb Weidner
9/3/2021 04:00:44 am

I was intrigued by the discussion on how the type of work you do matters. The fact that working is good is not encompassing. What you do to earn that money really does matter. I’ve heard stories about girls making millions overnight on OnlyFans. But is your identity and reputation worth a few million dollars? Sure, they have lots of money, but at what cost? Maybe it doesn’t bother them now, but when their fleeting looks run out, where will that leave them? I think the type of work people do is left out often, as people are now more and more just doing whatever they can to get by, regardless of morality. Especially in the social media age. It’s so easy to sell your body on the internet without many hassles to go through.

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Luke Olson
9/3/2021 11:32:46 am

As reading this article I felt compelled to why they could get into the market for the thing that brings in the most money for them to put a ban on it and uplift it. Looking at the marketing side of things I think you are absolutely correct having it be single minded because it does have a stakeholder value because it is a successful company because of the easy money of "selling your body". But the company doesn't hold societal value because of what they sell and stand for and having creators thinking their platform was going to be taken away from them.

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Timothy Maaba
9/3/2021 12:15:40 pm

This is an extremely insightful and hot topic in the world today and in fact has been as stated in the article the worlds "oldest profession". For most people sex is a taboo topic and one that should be left behind closed doors. However, the rise of Only fans has added oil to the fire by digitizing the profession on a large scale. In fact being opposed by some who did not care as much about it to be concerned mainly due to its current influence and possible affect on children.On a worldly perspective it may seem like a harmless endever, however, some countries do ban prostitution or any kind of sexually explicit images online or elsewhere. In a Christian perspective God does tell us not to judge one another and to love their neighbor but at the same time God calls us to condone sin

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Sawyer Shank
9/11/2021 02:17:10 pm

This story feels like it was made for the Mindful Matters Blog. It provides a quintessential example of “Single-Minded Marketing.” Additionally, it is on an extremely relevant contemporary topic. OnlyFans is all over social media. It’s in memes, it’s in tweets, it even pervades our everyday conversations. However, while it is a widely known topic, I feel it is in no way a controversial one, at least to anyone who professes Christianity. I appreciate Dr. Hagenbuch’s hard stance on this and I particularly admire his thorough defense of his argument. I would add one more facet to his argument, however. In Luke 17:1-2 Jesus says, “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” Sex is as much a stumbling block as anything else. Based on this verse, I would reiterate that OnlyFans selling of sex is most certainly an immoral business model.

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Matt Higgs
9/15/2021 10:19:02 am

I had previously heard about the issue with OnlyFans through other news sources, but this article really helped to sift through some of the arguments about the morality of the commercial sex industry as a whole. I really appreciated the first point about diversity/inclusion, highlighting that while we should respect all people based on who they are, we aren’t necessarily obligated to show the same respect for people based on what they do. In other words, being equitable and not infringing on one’s rights because of their race/ethnicity is completely different than demanding equal rights to free speech/expression based on their profession (in this case, marketing sexually explicit content). In this issue, I think OnlyFans has confounded these two perspectives, leading to the moral clash described in this article.

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Cole Phillips
9/15/2021 04:42:37 pm

First off, it doesn't surprise me at all that Only Fans decided to lift their ban on sexually explicit content. Given how many individuals use their website for that specific purpose, there's no way that they could've continued on without going out of business eventually. As for whether or not it's morally correct to sell this kind of content, I think it is most certainly morally incorrect. At face value, without taking a Christian perspective, it seems like it's no big deal. Those who want to see and watch other's content and are willing to pay for it should have the right to do so, right? Well, I believe that Only Fans as well as any other websites that offer this kind of content are slowly diminishing the value and novelty of sex itself, and it has done this so much so that it has had an extreme on society as a whole. Between individuals who feel like they can't escape their desire for this kind of content to those who's relationships have been ruined because of it, it's not hard to see the negative impact that this kind of business model has caused. Of course there will always be those who are willing to exploit the market for money, but perhaps one day society will see these negative impacts and take them into consideration.

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Sarah Vanpelt
9/15/2021 05:29:06 pm

I have briefly heard about the situation with only fans through other media platforms. However I never looked too far into what was actually happening because I didn’t feel the ban would affect me. I feel this article does a very good job of explaining the marketing side of why only fans may have made the decisions they did. I feel people nowadays are becoming more “accepting” of what people want to do for a career and people are losing the moral and ethical views we were taught as kids. I can appreciate Dr. hagenbuch’s strict views and opinions on the matter. I believe we should love our neighbors and yield from judgment; however, I don’t think in doing so we should compromise our values. I think when it comes thinking about how we stand on situations we have to look at more sides then just the one that supports our thinking.

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Elliot
9/15/2021 09:41:48 pm

This topic of what's considered moral or ethical is one that is very interesting to me. When it comes to the business world, the first thing that comes to mind is not "ethical". Only fans is not breaking any laws by using their platform as what its being used for. As a christian, with mainly christian morals, I don't believe that Only fans is using their platform in a moral way. But this is how they've been making money, and a lot of it. Whether their initial idea for the company was porn or not, this is still how they've been making their money. They would lose a lot of money if they banned that type of content as a whole. Bad things exist in this world, it's not our job to say that they can't or shouldn't be able to do this or that. I believe that only fans would not be making an immoral choice by continuing to allow that type of content. This is how they are making their money.

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Leonard
9/15/2021 11:59:31 pm

I understand the reasoning of only fan trying to take themselves out of the pornography accounts. I think they are taking a big hit losing out on was made them so much money. The world is far different than it was about 15 year ago. I do not think people should be doing it but at the end of the day people are going to make money somehow. I think that OnlyFans will not be the same after this before then nobody knew what OnlyFan.

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Cherry Vince link
9/22/2022 02:06:10 am

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