The Hidden Dangers Of Digital Platforms: Teens, Money, And Exploitation

The Allure of Fast Cash: Teenagers and Digital Platforms

In the bustling city of Barcelona, sexual content platforms are being marketed like a winning scratch-off ticket – a quick and easy way to make money. With the help of savvy marketing, influencers, and the mysterious workings of online algorithms, platforms like OnlyFans and sugar daddy websites have become enticing options not just for adults, but also for teenagers. These platforms are often advertised as a way for young individuals to share sexual content as if it were their own idea. A recent survey by Save the Children reveals a startling statistic: one in forty young Spaniards—2.5%—received monetary or material compensation for sending erotic content while underage. Furthermore, 15% of survey participants were aware of others who had made similar agreements.

The Trap of Self-Exposure

Save the Children warns of a dangerous lack of awareness among teens and young adults regarding the exploitation involved in these platforms. The trap, as the report puts it, is the promise of easy money and a marketing strategy focused on recruiting young girls to sell their bodies and services. The study distinguishes between digital sexual self-exposure and exploitation, noting that while the former involves minors recording themselves for perceived benefits, the latter is a form of exploitation due to the inherent power imbalances.

“I'm with whom I want and I earn what I want. I'm accepting it, and I can even fall in love," says a teenager interviewed by Save the Children.

Ona Lorda, head of child policy for the organization in Catalonia, explains that these platforms create a false sense of freedom, masking the exploitation and power dynamics at play. Until the legal age of consent, minors cannot fully grasp the implications of these asymmetrical relationships.

Creators vs. Consumers: The Gender Divide

How exactly do these platforms work their magic? By employing technology and resources to carve out distinct paths for different genders. Girls are targeted as creators of erotic content, with promises of empowerment and advancement. Meanwhile, boys are approached as consumers or even mentors. This dynamic mirrors traditional patterns of prostitution, where women provide the service and men act as consumers or agents. “It’s digital pimping,” emphasizes Lorda, reflecting on how these imbalanced relationships unfold online.

The Algorithms Behind the Scenes

The lure of platforms like OnlyFans doesn't happen in isolation. Young people often find themselves bombarded with sexual messages or ads while on apps like TikTok or Instagram. A significant portion of surveyed teens reported encountering direct advertising for these platforms, illustrating how pervasive and intrusive these algorithms can be.
In response to these alarming trends, Save the Children advocates for stricter laws to protect minors in digital spaces. They stress the necessity of age verification and prevention strategies to make families, schools, and teenagers more aware of these risks. Lorda highlights that the images shared today can have lasting impacts, lingering online and affecting mental health for years to come.