From Playboy Fantasies to OnlyFans Realities: The Naked Truth Behind the Profit-Driven Exploitation of Women's Bodies

From Playboy to Onlyfans… have we really evolved as a society? The golden age of pornography started with magazines such as Playboy, which created and sold this unrealistic portrayal of what a woman should not only look like but what she should fulfill—the male fantasy. Female bodies have been capitalized upon and commodified throughout history, it is nothing new. Yet, with today’s digitalization, the narrative of sexism and objectification is deeply prolonged, with apps such as OnlyFans, disguised by the illusion of female empowerment. Modern media portrays female bodies in a commodified manner, perpetuating societal attitudes towards women's bodies and the sexist culture that values women for their physical appeal to men. This article critically examines the transition from print to digital media, highlighting the ongoing challenges and consequences in portraying women in a patriarchal society. 

A simple bunny logo, one of the most iconic trademarks of the magazine Playboy, established in the mid-20th century, left an imprint in the adult entertainment industry. It played a significant role in bringing commercial pornography into the mainstream realm. By 1973, Playboy circulated seven million copies. Hugh Hefner, the man behind the logo, became a symbol of sexual liberty, the bachelor lifestyle, male heterosexuality and consumer culture with his iconic look of silk pajamas, robes and a pipe. Don’t get me wrong, he was an excellent businessman, able to sell a whole lifestyle in numbers like no one before. Playboy had its own philosophy. Hefner's concept centered on the belief that women should embody the Playmate ideal of beauty, promoting a specific feminine appearance, while encouraging men to enjoy the classic excitement of pursuing women. It set this popularized image of women: an idealized, often unattainable standard of beauty. Hefner advocated for open discussions of sexual behavior. The magazine, whilst ahead of its time, did not take into account its profound social implications and a wave of female commodification it further induced. This portrayal of women was not just a fantasy for its consumers; it was a powerful message that women's bodies are commodities to be sold and admired. Playboy's influence shaped generational views on female beauty and sexuality. 

The rise of new digital platforms brought its own wave of female commodification. There is new shift in how female sexuality is portrayed, consumed and marketed. OnlyFans—the forerunner of such platforms—functions in the control of individuals who create and share their own content. This freedom for individuals to choose what to post and to which extent is meant to give women more control over the portrayal and monetization of their own bodies. Many claim that this is an empowering movement in the industry. OnlyFans has been praised under a feminist narrative for allowing females to “reclaim” control over the commodification of their sexuality. However, I disagree with this perspective. I am yet to be convinced that this is the motive and purpose of such a platform. This claimed empowerment is a paradox. As illusionary as it may be, while the nature of such digital platforms offers some sense of control and autonomy it perpetuates a societal view that commercializes  women’s bodies. Does this mean that female empowerment lies in the capitalization of our bodies? OnlyFans raises questions about whether it truly subverts the patriarchal system or inadvertently reinforces it, highlighting the ongoing issue of women's value tied to physical appearance and sexual desirability. A tale as old as time. And with the rise of significantly large figures and profits on OnlyFans, more women ask themselves: why don’t I just join as well? So I ask you this: are women taking control of the narrative, or are they conforming to long-standing sexist expectations? By monetizing their bodies, are they challenging the system, or are they perpetuating a marketplace where the female body is a commodity? This continuous objectification impacts women's perception of their bodies and self-worth; preserving a cycle in which young girls grow up in an environment teaching them their value is correlated with their aesthetic appeal to men, ability to conform to societal beauty standards. 

In a profit-driven society, everything, including the human body, is viewed through the lens of financial gain. Sad isn’t it? The billion-dollar industry built around female imagery is a testament to this. The question arises: is the ability to capitalize off of one’s own body a sign of  empowerment, or is it a measure that accepts defeat and concedes to a system which sees our bodies as another source of commodity? Let’s talk about it.