These days, occasional porn consumption is considered by many to be a common part of a “healthy” sex life in relationships. But new data has revealed many Aussies consider it “cheating”.
Research into attitudes towards OnlyFans, a booming platform used by millions of adult content creators, shows 56 percent of women believe that if a partner has subscribed to a porn star’s channel it is “definitely cheating”.
However, only 38 percent of men agree, with 48 percent of men stating it depends on the type of interactions involved, compared to 36 percent of women.
Meanwhile just 9 percent of women, and 15 percent of men, thought it was “normal” for those in relationships to interact with OnlyFans stars and watch their content.
Ahead of the launch of news.com.au’s Great Aussie Debate we asked 1870 people a series of questions to get a taste of what Aussies think about a range of topics from the lighthearted to the serious.
And the statistics reveal a grim insight into the effect OnlyFans and the consumption of pornography is having on modern relationships.
When news.com.au hit the streets, everyday Aussies echoed the data, showing men and women were divided on what constitutes cheating on OnlyFans.
One activewear-clad woman said it was cheating, but it depended on what sort of explicit content her partner was watching. Her friend, who was also dressed head-to-toe in figure-hugging workout gear agreed, stating “how much money” was being spent also played into it.
“If you’re paying for something, interacting and have a particular person of interest, that’s definitely cheating,” she said.
Meanwhile two blokes who were asked “is subscribing to OnlyFans cheating?” said they didn’t think it was akin to having an affair.
However one still described it as a “dog act” as it crossed a line in a relationship.
“If I was with someone for say five years, I’d be like, ‘what’s going on here?’,” he reasoned.
“That would be a big fight. Whereas with someone new? Bye.”
This sentiment was shared by another fella sporting a Fedora hat, who ruled he had no time for women who got their kicks looking at naked men online.
“I wouldn’t even date her in the first place,” he declared.
“I think OnlyFans is f–ked. I’d break up with them on the spot.”
One Irish expat added he thought it was “a waste of money”, asking: “If you have a partner, why do you need OnlyFans?”
Considering we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, it’s a fair question.
The price of subscribing to an OnlyFans account varies, but the most common fee is between $5 and $10 a month.
Creators state they make most of their revenue from private messages with fans, which starts at $3 and is capped at $200 per message.
Interestingly, news.com.au’s survey found that couples who cohabit are less threatened by the X-rated platform that those who live apart, with 55 percent of those who do not live together stating they believe it is cheating, whereas 41 percent of de facto couples and married couples stating it depends on the type of interaction.
Studies show evidence that partners who watch pornography together report higher relationship and sexual satisfaction than partners who do not.
However, porn consumption – commonly used by more men than women – is often a “hidden secret” in relationships, which experts warn negatively impacts couples.
