Who are the People Behind the Webcam? Global Empirical Insights into Motivations, Job Satisfaction, and Privacy Needs of Cam Models

Abstract The integration of technology into sex work has reshaped the profession, with cam modelling exemplifying how digital platforms mediate intimacy, autonomy, and identity. While increasingly common, cam modelling remains under-researched and often misunderstood. Exploring its psychological dimensions, such as motivations, job satisfaction, and technological risks, is key to a more nuanced understanding of modern sex work. This study draws on a unique mixed-methods dataset from 331 cam models across 27 countries. It examines factors driving entry into cam modelling, the role of money in both initial and sustained engagement, and the influence of platform structures on professional identity. It also addresses digital risks like doxxing, content leaks, and harassment, underscoring the importance of privacy for models’ well-being. By providing a data-driven perspective, this study contributes to debates on sex work, digital labour, and psychological health, challenging common stereotypes and informing platform governance and privacy policy.