Webcam models live-stream with people around the world. But “unlike traditional pornography, they interact directly with clients during their performances.”
The clients may even dictate the ‘type’ of performances they want to see. This means users can request specific acts, roleplays, or scenarios – allowing their preferences to structure the model’s show.
These interactions allow flexibility on the models’ side but also require them to set and maintain clear expectations with their clients.
So how do the webcam models set their rules? Hannah DeLacey, MSc, examines this in their research “The Boundaries of Business and Pleasure: How Personal, Social, and Legal Factors Influence Webcam Models’ Boundaries” published in The Journal of Sex Research.
Through interviews with 23 North American webcam models, H. Delacey explores the balance they maintain for their mental and physical well-being, all while navigating the nuances of their profession.
Like any interpersonal relationship, camming models must create a foundation to live by.
Boundaries Defined
In camming, three main boundaries shape the experiences and decisions of the models: Personal, Social, and Legal.
Personal: Individual limits the models set based on their comfort levels and moral beliefs.
Social: Influenced by societal norms and the fear of social backlash.
Legal: Dictated by laws and platform rules.
“These boundaries help models separate their professional and private lives, protect their mental health, and mitigate the impact of stigma, abuse, and discrimination.” (H. DeLacey)
They allow them to create a clear line between their work and personal life. This separation increases their mental well-being and helps them manage stress and burnout. By defining what they are willing to do and not do, webcam models can prevent uncomfortable situations and maintain control over their services.
Moreover, by establishing clear rules for interactions, models can handle inappropriate requests and behaviors from their clients – reducing the risk of performing acts they are uneasy with. Additionally, camming models often use platform features like blocking and reporting tools to enforce their standards. Thus, creating a safer, more respectful working environment.
Boundary-setting empowers models to handle societal judgments and preserve their dignity.
The Interviews
H. DeLacey’s recruitment process involved selecting 23 independent webcam models from North America through various channels, including in-person meetings at an adult industry business conference, outreach on social media, and referrals.
The participants included 19 women, 3 men, and 1 non-binary person, aged 19 to 71. Most of the participants were between 20 and 30 years old.
The interviews were semi-structured, with guided questions and open-ended responses. This combination provided the best understanding of the models’ experiences and perspectives. The interview approach allowed the conversation to flow while still covering essential topics. The participants were asked about their motivations for becoming webcam models, their interactions with clients, and how they managed personal boundaries.
Specific questions included, “What role do stigma and social norms play in defining your boundaries?”, “Can you describe any experiences where you had to set or reinforce your boundaries with clients?”, and “How do you balance your personal interests with client demands?”
Interview lengths were between 45 minutes and over 4 hours, with most of them around 2 hours – allowing the participants to share as much detail as they were comfortable with. All participants provided informed consent and the interviews were recorded using an external audio recorder.
Themes in Boundary Formation
The interviews revealed recurring themes in how the camming models establish and maintain boundaries.
Personal Boundaries
These were self-imposed limits based on the model’s comfort levels, desires, and moral beliefs. These rules help them protect their mental and emotional well-being while giving them space to find pleasure in their work.
For instance, Melanie emphasized the importance of setting clear parameters to maintain professionalism and avoid negative client behavior by stating “Stick to your boundaries and tell people, ‘No I can’t do that’”.
Personal boundaries can change over time as models gain more experience and confidence. Veronica initially did not remove clothing but later expanded her services as she became more comfortable with live-streaming and client interactions.
Additionally, it was found that money could coerce models into crossing their restrictions. Emma adjusted to accommodate a client’s kink request for a “jerk off instruction” scene after researching and deciding she was comfortable with it. Similarly, Jenna discovered she preferred being dominant, which reshaped her persona during shows.
Social Boundaries
Influenced by societal norms, stigmas, and the fear of social backlash, social boundaries help models determine what is socially acceptable. Thus, protecting them from potential discrimination or ostracism.
Many models avoid performances involving taboo subjects like feces, race play, age play, and incest. They “were okay with these things being banned, even if they were not illegal in real life.” Furthermore, social media shaming plays a significant role in creating these constraints. Anna recalled seeing models “canceled” on Twitter for doing taboo shows, influencing her to avoid such performances.
The potential for future social backlash if their live streams were recorded and uploaded without consent also impacts the models’ limits. Samantha expressed concerns about the long-term consequences of engaging in taboo services online. She states, “It’s one thing if you’re doing this in-person with a sex worker and it’s another thing to be putting it on the internet where everything is recorded. No, thank you.”
Legal Boundaries
Dictated by laws and the platform’s terms of service, legal boundaries decide what is allowable and help models avoid severe legal repercussions or being banned from platforms.
Common legal boundaries include prohibitions on acts such as blood play, asphyxiation, breastfeeding, fisting, urination, defecation, and pretending to be underage. For instance, Melanie mentioned, “Incest, for sure. That’s a no-go. That’s against site policy.”
Platforms like LiveJasmin, LoyalFans, and OnlyFans have specific compliance rules to help webcam models protect their accounts. LiveJasmin takes a strict stance against hate speech, illegal activities, bestiality, and underage content, emphasizing the importance of consent and legality. OnlyFans and LoyalFans also restrict content featuring minors, incest, and excessive violence. All these platforms focus on maintaining a respectful and lawful community.
Legal boundaries help create a safer environment for the models and their fans by clearly outlining what they can and cannot do or ask for. However, models often balance these rules with client demands and their comfort levels. Emma, for example, hesitated to do a blackmail role-play due to its legal implications, despite her client’s request. She stated, “Blackmail is technically illegal even if it is a kink and if it’s done consensually.”
The Bottom Line
To stay safe in the camming space, it’s all about knowing your limits and adhering to them. Whether it is deciding what acts to perform or how to interact with clients, camming models are constantly navigating their personal, social, and legal boundaries. It’s a mix of protecting themselves and being flexible enough to handle the unexpected.
H. DeLacey’s research shows how crucial it is to set and maintain these limits. It’s not simply about following the rules – it’s about balancing your desires, societal expectations, and legal restrictions. The camming industry is a unique space where models have the power to choose their shows and define their boundaries, making it an empowering yet challenging profession.
And yet, their lives are not defined by the performances – they are a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of setting limits.
Establish your boundaries, protect your well-being, and embrace your professional integrity.
