If you ask your friends if they’ve ever stumbled upon a Web site where women perform sex on camera, they will probably admit that yes, they have. Many will also reveal that they’ve chatted with a cam girl or two, too. That’s because the phenomenon of personal Web cams is now commonplace. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world live their lives in front of cameras hooked up to the Internet, and there are many more who just visit cams from time to time to see what all the fuss is about.
The reasons for becoming a cam girl are diverse, but most involve a desire to be seen and heard. For Julia, who streams on the popular Camsoda platform, it’s about creating a community of like-minded people and helping them feel seen and understood. Her audience often tells her stories that span a wide range of subjects, from dealing with sexual insecurities to losing their jobs. “Everyone deserves to feel validated and accepted, no matter what they’re going through,” she says.
Others, however, take the business seriously and work to earn a living from camming. Some, like Ana, a top-earning camgirl who writes for the blog Camgirlair, have become experts in promoting themselves, sharing their tips and tricks with other girls. Others have written books that help newcomers get started in the business.
If you’re interested in chatting with a cam girl, it’s important to do your research. Some sites have a list of vetted models, but beware that there are also scammers who are looking to extort money. If you receive a message that seems suspicious, use Google’s reverse image search to check whether the ‘cam girl’ has posted photos of herself elsewhere online. If you make a payment to a scammer, notify your bank or credit card company immediately.