When 19-year-old student Kendra Sunderland discreetly undresses in front of a webcam in the library and is then hounded by thousands of viewers demanding her to reveal more, she enters the world of ‘camgirls’, a new form of online pornography in which women are filmed naked while interacting with paying customers. The phenomenon has been normalised to the point of appearing on websites free from sexual references and even on apparently traditional employment sites offering camgirl jobs from home.
The ‘camgirl’, who is paid in virtual ‘tokens’, or digital currency, performs a show for paying customers and chats with them while naked on a live video stream. They are paid a flat rate for their time and can earn additional tips in the form of messages sent to them through the site. In addition, they can earn a bonus by reaching a certain amount of tipping in a specific period of time.
While it may seem innocent enough, the reality is more complex and often resembles an employment contract. ‘Camgirls’ are often lured into the profession by promises of a good salary and the dream of being their own boss, but once they are employed, studio managers control every aspect of their work, including their private lives. They also publish internal rankings of the ‘best performing camgirls’ in order to stimulate the girls and discourage them from complaining about their treatment.
As a result, ‘camgirls’ are often prone to exploitation, with some even undergoing physical abuse at the hands of their bosses. The most extreme cases are documented in the documentary ‘The Cam Girl’, which portrays the story of an ex-camgirl and her struggle for justice against her manager. The film has been banned in a number of countries because of its depiction of the industry and the sexual exploitation of women.
In addition to these physical and emotional difficulties, ‘camgirls’ face another major obstacle – trolls. While most trolls are simply concerned with being called desperate and awful, others use their power to intimidate the models they target. This can cause the models to become depressed, leading to a loss of confidence and motivation.
To combat these threats, ‘camgirls’ can create social media accounts to maintain contact with their fans and keep them updated about their performances. In addition, they can also set up a merchant account that will allow them to accept payments electronically, such as credit or debit cards. This will help them protect themselves from trolls and other threats. It is important to remember, however, that these accounts are not an absolute guarantee of safety and should only be used in moderation. Nevertheless, it is an essential step in building a brand that will attract viewers and provide them with the best possible experience. This is why it is imperative to choose a merchant account that is safe for the entertainment industry.