Online Sex Work and Identity Expression: Unmasking Camming

This paper investigates the practice of camming, focusing on its intertwining with social media conventions, particularly on the Brazilian platform Camera Prive. Departing from existing research that primarily examines the economic and social implications of online sex work, this study critically examines the application of social media-like identity exploration within camming, addressing a research gap in mediated human interactions and identity experiences. Two central questions guide this investigation: first, scrutinizing the alignment between social media definitions of identity and the practices of cam models on Camera Prive, and second, exploring the strategic utilization of online identities by cam models and their contribution to monetization strategies. The study contributes to understanding camming as a distinct form of labor within the gig economy, emphasizing self-entrepreneurship and the multifaceted nature of online sex work. It underscores the significance of platform affordances in shaping narratives and economic gains for sex workers. Future research directions should focus on platform governance, technological advancements, and regulatory frameworks to inform discussions on the evolving landscape of online sex work.