OBJECTIVE

Described by participants as virtual sex work, "camming", short for webcamming has become a popular method of achieving independence and financial gain. As defined by Jones (2015), virtual sex work functions as an Internet-mediated exchange of sexual services. With an increase in popular culture's influence on virtual sex-work including camming, the current study is guided by one research question: what role does online sexual work play in the decision making and behaviors of Black adolescent and young adult females?

METHOD

Using case study analysis, semi-structured interviews with Black adolescent and young adult Black females (n=4), ages 16-22, highlight personal accounts of their engagement or exposure to online sex work and online sexual platforms.

RESULTS

Three primary themes emerge: survival through self-reliance and empowerment; intentionality towards meeting financial needs; and awareness of risks and threats. The respondent's juxtaposition between achieving sexual autonomy and dealing with threats to personal safety are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Social work practitioners should consider culturally appropriate harm reduction interventions specifically for Black adolescent and emerging adult women engaged in the camming and online sex work industry.