Should You Open An OnlyFans Account?
Stripping Down the Ethics Of Considering OnlyFans
Dear 100Footer:
I recently decided to hop on the bandwagon that seems to have taken the Instagay and Twitter gay communities by storm: OnlyFans.
Well, in my case, JustForFans, which serves as a private platform where subscribers shell out for access to my exclusive content (let's just say it's racy photos and steamy videos).
The thought of joining had been germinating in my mind for several months. As an immigrant and a Taurus, the prospect of monetary gain held an irresistible allure. Moreover, I already had a significant following on social media, with numerous followers nudging me towards it. Therefore, I found myself thinking, "Why not?"
However, this decision hasn't been without its mental turmoil. Part of me is fully committed to embracing this opportunity, leveraging my physically attractive presence and the audience I've amassed. My self-image has been a journey – I spent my youth despising my body and my own being. Deep down, I sometimes feel like I'm still that scrawny kid who was a constant target of bullies.
Conversely, a different voice within me is echoing with apprehension, warning that this could have lasting negative implications on my future, transforming me from a person into a mere object of lust in the eyes of potential partners.
Additionally, the thought of my friends potentially gossiping about me behind my back causes me significant stress. They might act supportive to my face, but I can't help but wonder if their perspectives change when I'm not present.
During a discussion with my therapist, they suggested not to fret over these matters. They emphasized that my focus should be on financial growth and anyone taking offense is not worth my concern. But is that the only way I should look at it?
--confused
Dear Confused:
Your current predicament, being tossed between the promise of economic gain and the fear of moral failure, brings to mind a mischievous quote from Oscar Wilde: "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it." But let's not throw in the towel just yet, shall we?
Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room: the ethics of monetizing nudity. There's a cheeky utilitarian argument to be made here: if it causes no harm and even brings pleasure (perhaps quite a lot of it, judging from the nature of the platform), is it not a force for good in the world? Mill, in all his hedonistic calculations, might well have given you a nod of approval.
You're not forcing anyone to subscribe, and you're not being forced into it yourself. The transaction is transparent, consensual, and even equitable. As a moral agent, you seem to be making all the right moves.
That said, Kant might furrow his brow at this. To him, our actions should be guided by categorical imperatives – moral rules that hold universally, regardless of the consequences. Here's where your worry about becoming a mere "piece of meat" comes in.
Are you reducing yourself to an object, to be used merely as a means to an end (financial gain, in this case)? The other side of this coin is, of course, whether your audience will also start treating you as an object.
But before we throw ourselves into a pit of existential despair (looking at you, Sartre), let's pull back a bit. Consider this: is being an object of desire necessarily dehumanizing?
Not if we consider that it's one facet of a complex, multi-dimensional human being. Just as being an ethicist with a wicked sense of humor doesn't define my entire identity, neither does your online persona define yours.
Here's where Nietzsche jumps in, flexing his mustache and reminding us of the "will to power". You, my friend, are seizing an opportunity, asserting control over your own image, and charting your own course.
Not exactly what Nietzsche had in mind, perhaps, but I like to think he'd appreciate the boldness.
Now, let's tackle that fear about gossiping friends. Here's where I'm tempted to bring in some light-hearted wisdom from the legendary philosopher, Taylor Swift:
"Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate."
Everyone has opinions, and they're entitled to them. It's as natural as Plato's forms. You can't control what others think or say about you. However, you can control your own actions and reactions.
When it comes to dating, it's true that some people might struggle to separate your online persona from the person behind the screen. However, if they can't respect your choices or see beyond the surface, then they're not quite the catch you're fishing for, are they?
Lastly, remember that your therapist's advice, though certainly well-meaning, is still just that: advice. Philosophically speaking, it's what we'd call a "prudential" suggestion, based on what seems to be good for you at this moment. It's not a moral judgement.
As a philosopher, my job isn't to tell you what to do. It's to help you see the terrain of your decision more clearly. To navigate it is entirely up to you. So, take a deep breath, flex your existential muscles, and remember – this is your life.
