How Using OnlyFans Affects People’s Sex Lives and Relationships?

How Using OnlyFans Affects People’s Sex Lives and Relationships?

To explore the effects of OnlyFans on users' sexual lives and sexual learning, the researchers employed a mixed-methods approach. The study included 425 participants, averaging 37 years old, with a majority identifying as heterosexual (80.9%).

Contrary to the widespread media portrayal of porn use as harmful, one might expect negative effects from using OnlyFans. However, this research uncovered the opposite outcome. OnlyFans users overwhelmingly perceived the platform as beneficial for sexual and gender identity formation, sexual relationship practices, and sexual learning.

How Using OnlyFans for Sex Lives Shapes Us?

Over two million independent sex workers and a user base of 170 million registered accounts are part of OnlyFans, a digital patronage platform. The platform gained rapid popularity during the pandemic, with a 22% increase in streaming hours in just one week! Given these circumstances, researchers from California State University Chico conducted a study to explore how OnlyFans might influence individuals' sexual learning and sex lives. The findings of this study may surprise you!

Contrary to the common narrative in the media that associates any type of porn use with harm, the study discovered the opposite effect with OnlyFans. Participants overwhelmingly perceived OnlyFans use as beneficial for sexual and gender identity formation, sexual relationship practices, and sexual learning. While you can read the full study here, I will highlight some key findings in this post.

The researchers employed a mixed-methods approach to explore how OnlyFans users perceived the platform's impact on their sexual lives and sexual learning. A total of 425 participants, with an average age of 37 and mostly identifying as heterosexual (80.9%), took part in the study.

In the quantitative part of the study, age emerged as a predictor for the extent to which participants learned something new about sex. Specifically, younger individuals reported learning more about sex.

The qualitative part of the study involved extracting themes from participants' open-ended responses to the question "What new things have you learned from using OnlyFans in terms of sexual practices, relationships, communication, yourself, your personal preferences, or sexual health?" The following are the main themes that emerged:

What Do Users Say About the Impact of OnlyFans on Relationships?

Improves Sexual Knowledge

Many survey participants shared that they learned a lot of new things thanks to OnlyFans. They were able to master the best techniques for satisfying themselves and their partner, and were able to achieve more intense pleasure. Young people learned to use condoms. OnlyFans also helps you identify yourself in sexual interests and preferences.

There is one important point - safety. In such intimate matters, all OnlyFans users prefer to feel comfortable. However, is OnlyFans safe and is it safe enough? Overall, the social network offers a basic level of security on par with other social networks. This also means that the vulnerabilities or risks remain the same. You are better off using additional security measures rather than relying solely on OnlyFans.

Improves Relationships

OnlyFans users not only expressed that the platform enhances their sexual knowledge but also acknowledged how it positively affects their relationships. They reported improved communication, better understanding of boundaries, and increased intimacy with their partners. While the majority of responses emphasized the positive impact on relationships and intimacy, it is worth mentioning that a small minority of individuals viewed OnlyFans in a negative light, particularly concerning keeping their usage a secret from their partners.

Improves Self-Esteem

OnlyFans users have noted various benefits beyond sexual and relational enhancements on the platform. They have experienced personal growth, including improvements in sexual self-confidence, body image, and self-acceptance. Moreover, engagement with OnlyFans has fostered a greater sense of comfort in expressing oneself.

Assists in Acquiring Sexual Skills

Watching creators on OnlyFans has empowered individuals to acquire new bedroom skills. They have learned about various sexual positions, different ways to achieve orgasm, diverse sex toys, and various techniques for oral sex and masturbation.

Many users believe that normalizing the use of OnlyFans can contribute to promoting healthy sex lives. Although a small number of users reported negative experiences on the platform, the overall impact of OnlyFans on their sexual lives is rated more positively than negatively by participants.

Conclusion

OnlyFans - can strengthen self-esteem, improve sexual skills, and provide useful knowledge. Such services can indeed provide benefits to an individual. It is also true that they are addictive for some people. It becomes more difficult for them to communicate with people, especially the opposite article, or completely replace traditional sex. If you notice that OnlyFans only interrupts the desire for the opposite sex, it is better to reduce its use. If it becomes easier for you to communicate with girls or guys, and you feel more confident, then there is no reason to worry.

Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash