A ‘cam girl’, as they’re known in the industry, broadcasts her private chat sessions on the web for thousands of viewers to watch and participate in. For many, these intimate encounters are the fulfillment of their deepest desires, arousal, and fantasies. Yet for the women behind the scenes, camming is not always easy. It requires an unwavering commitment to a career that can be emotionally draining, physically exhausting and even dangerous.
In a recent Reddit AMA, one of the few cam girls to speak publicly about their experience did so with a touch of regret. She goes by the screen name EevieLain on the site MyFreeCams (MFC), where she has a modest following of loyal fans who pay her in tokens for intimate moments. But her story is not uncommon. According to a recent study by the Anti-Spam Alliance, up to 50% of cam models have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault. The industry is notoriously difficult to regulate because of the lack of laws, and it can be a ripe environment for exploitation.
As a result, some cam performers have to resort to using fake names and aliases in order to avoid compromising their safety. Others, like the Romanian model known as Lainey, quit their jobs in a desperate attempt to protect their mental health. She told the AMA she had been working up to 16 hours per day, five days a week, often under unstable conditions. Then there’s the pressure to perform as often as possible to keep their fans happy.
While the average MFC model makes about $1,300 a month, it’s not enough to live off of. Many cam girls work additional jobs to make ends meet, while some are even forced to sleep in a studio at the end of their shift.
It can also be physically and mentally taxing for some camgirls to work as often as eight hours a day, seven days a week in cramped studios with only a fan or two for company. In addition, a few hours on camera can cause them to feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. The resulting stress and discomfort can lead to a variety of physical ailments, including back and neck pain.
Thankfully, there are ways to make your time in the studio a little bit more comfortable. Some camgirls allow their viewers to send virtual gifts and treats, which can help them feel more relaxed, boost their confidence, and improve the quality of their performance.
If you’re a cam girl yourself, try to choose a website that offers a simple user interface and a variety of filters that let you search by appearance, language, show style, and location. Also, be sure to read the privacy policies and terms of service to ensure your safety. Finally, be sure to set your preferences for public and private shows before you begin a session with a viewer. And, of course, make sure to tip generously!