Study: TikTok algorithm directs young girls toward adult content industry

Social media platforms are seen as our biggest enemy today. The EU and other organizations continue to work on heavy sanctions against social media companies. A study on TikTok revealed surprising findings regarding the algorithm's effect on young girls.

A joint study conducted by UK-based Cease (Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation) and Australia-based Collective Shout showed that TikTok paves the way for the promotion and normalization of the adult content industry. The report stated that young female content creators popular on OnlyFans market their adult content through seemingly harmless lifestyle videos shared on TikTok.

Content of OnlyFans creators analyzed

Researchers analyzed content posted on TikTok over the course of a year by prominent OnlyFans creators. According to the findings, creators embed implicit messages about adult content into videos featuring shopping, spending time with pets, cooking, or skincare routines, generally known as the "get ready with me" (GRWM) format.

Coded expressions used to bypass algorithm censorship

TikTok rules prohibit direct mention of the name OnlyFans, linking to the platform, and sexual solicitations. However, the report stated that creators use euphemisms, emojis, and specific gestures to bypass these restrictions. To avoid moderation systems, the term "corn" is used instead of "porn," or a corn emoji is paired alongside a star emoji.

Researchers also recorded how the platform directs young users by following the recommendations provided by the TikTok algorithm after tracking accounts of key content creators.

Although TikTok bans sexual solicitations, it reportedly allows the spread of content produced by adult creators that does not contain direct nudity.

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Promise of luxury lifestyle and actual earnings data

The analyzed posts also showed creators frequently discussing the money they earned from selling sexual content. Videos display cash, luxury homes, private jets, and expensive cars, presenting adult content creation as a way out of poverty and a path to getting rich quickly. Encouragement of a luxury lifestyle starts here.

The same report stated that these promotions do not reflect reality. According to OnlyFans' own data, the top 5,000 creators have earned more than $1 million since the platform launched in 2016. In contrast, the report noted that the annual average earnings of the roughly 5 million creators registered on the platform remained around $1,000.

Brand collaborations and physical studio operations

It does not stop there. Collective Shout representative Melinda Tankard Reist stated that the study was initiated after OnlyFans figures such as Sophie Rain and Ari Kytsya reached large numbers of young female followers on TikTok.

The report stated that Rain is known for content filmed in a Miami mansion called "Bop House," where women produce sexual content, and those wishing to join apply for auditions by posting dance videos on TikTok.

It was also reported that content creators promote various brands on TikTok, ranging from everyday goods to condoms. Cosmetics brand L'Oréal reportedly signed an advertising deal with Ari Kytsya on TikTok last year for its Urban Decay brand, featuring Kytsya promoting the products.

The authors of the report called for extending pornography bans aimed at those under 18 to also cover posts promoting the adult content industry.

Statements from the companies

Responding to the criticisms raised in the study, a TikTok spokesperson said that platform rules strictly prohibit displaying or sharing sexual content. The spokesperson stated that they use advanced technologies to enforce community guidelines and that their systems are designed to prevent age-inappropriate content from reaching young people.

An OnlyFans spokesperson stated that the platform is intended for people aged 18 and over, adding that they implement strict registration procedures to prevent minors from accessing the site. Of course, the companies cannot say they are in the wrong here. However, the EU will soon introduce stricter sanctions regarding these companies' algorithms.