As students seek additional income, university campuses across the nation experience a noticeable surge of activity when classes resume.
Using platforms like OnlyFans, which allows users to create and share explicit content for paying subscribers, has become a trendy way for college students to supplement their finances while studying.
Rock Jacobs, who is directing a documentary series about this phenomenon, noted that interest in such content has exploded since the pandemic. He remarked, “The amount they earn is comparable to or even surpasses major industries.”
Since COVID-19, the platform has seen a dramatic uptick in new creators turning to OnlyFans to monetize virtual intimacy. In 2019, there were about 350,000 creators on the site. By 2023, that number ballooned to over 4.1 million, showing a huge leap in participation.
“It’s like a payroll system,” Jacobs explained. “Creatives have found a way to profit off the loneliness of others. Thanks to technology, anyone can earn an income.”
This trend, however, stretches even to elite universities where rising tuition costs weigh heavily on students pursuing degrees. In 2025, tuition for an average U.S. university is projected to hover around $38,270 annually. Fees have reportedly more than doubled since the start of the 21st century, leading to students incurring debt that can soar as high as $500,000 for their degrees.
“There are people genuinely in need of money,” Jacobs emphasized. “It’s a straightforward method. You see results quickly.”
That said, engaging with this platform isn’t without its risks. Students who choose to share their images online risk compromising their job prospects and reputations within their communities.
Jacobs observed significant shifts in campus culture since he began filming his documentary in 2023. Initially, students tended to keep their online endeavors discreet. But he noted, “I’ve noticed that it’s become more normalized. At first, there was a sense of secrecy. Now, people openly take pride in their work.”
This reflects a notable cultural shift regarding career aspirations. Jacobs recounted overhearing conversations among high school girls who openly discussed their plans to join OnlyFans as soon as they turned 18—prioritizing financial gain over traditional career paths.
While establishing a content account in college might seem harmless, Jacobs cautioned that there are serious consequences that could arise from posting explicit material online. He shared alarming cases of harassment he encountered while filming.
One particularly shocking incident involved a man who drove five hours to stalk a girl, ultimately breaking into her home and living in her attic.
Jacobs explained, “There are digital stalkers, but they can also manifest in very real, potentially violent ways.”
Further, he recounted a story of a woman who found success on the platform, earning millions. Yet, she lives in constant fear, convinced that her fame puts her at risk of being harmed. “She admits every night she fears someone will invade her home,” Jacobs recounted.
The psychological implications of students engaging with OnlyFans are notable as well. Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist based in New York, expressed concerns about the emotional toll. “The immediate gratification, attention, and income can become addictive. Students risk tying their self-esteem to their online metrics,” he explained.
Jacobs echoed similar concerns, warning parents that reliance on platforms like OnlyFans could undermine traditional family values. “If this kind of behavior continues and becomes normalized, it could erode family foundations,” Jacobs cautioned. “How do you instill strong values in your children when they are exposed to such influences?”
