5 Prevalent Themes from the Hacker News Discussion
1. Categorization of OnlyFans as "Extraordinary Ability" or "Arts" Many users debated whether OnlyFans (OF) work fits under the O-1 visa's criteria, such as "extraordinary ability" in arts or business. Most agreed it falls under O-1B for arts and entertainment, similar to other performers. - "tom_: That's for only one of the subtypes of visa. The official site mentions a few more options, which would probably turn out to cover onlyfans if you get the right sort of professional advice." - "cvhc: That's O-1A. O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry." - "yojat661: Webcam athletics"
2. Debate Over Whether OF Constitutes Prostitution A significant theme was whether OF is equivalent to prostitution, given historical immigration policies that restrict entry for those involved in illegal sexual acts. Opinions were split, with some citing legal distinctions and others seeing moral ambiguities. - "darth_avocado: I have no judgement on these models. Everyone can make money through legal means as they deem fit. But at the same time, the immigration system historically penalized anyone who engages in prostitution... Which is why itβs surprising that O-1 visas are awarded to OnlyFans models." - "gampleman: Porn comes from pornΔ, Greek for prostitute. So at least etymologically... porn is prostitution. If thatβs accepted, I find it hard not to also accept OF as a form of prostitution." - "palata: If OnlyFans is not prostitution (and in my understanding it is not), then I don't see why it is surprising?"
3. OF Models as Economic and Cultural Influencers Many users viewed OF models as valuable economic contributors who bring in tax revenue and global cultural influence, arguing that their success warrants inclusion under visa categories like O-1B. - "areoform: Such articles are interesting because they're tacit disapproval, but I would argue that this use of the O-1 is the most American way to use it... These people shape the culture that the young people around you consume. They create the memes of six-seven-ification." - "jjmarr: If one of America's main exports is culture, why would you ban factor inputs? ...The government isn't displacing local talent by importing OF models and gets tax dollars for essentially doing nothing." - "stackghost: You can make all the moral judgments you like, but the fact is: They're making money either way, and then spending that money in their local communities."
4. Concerns About the Erosion of Traditional Culture and Morality Several commenters expressed worry that promoting OF models as "extraordinary" artists signals cultural decline, contrasting them unfavorably with traditional entertainers like actors or athletes and lamenting the rise of shallow, parasocial content. - "ericmcer: Influencers as the future of culture is not great. Hollywood had a ton of issues but it at least had some... class? If you watch an interview with Mr. Beast... He was unable to explain basic concepts, had no self-awareness, and generally seemed detached from any sort of reality." - "lo_zamoyski: This is decadence and depravity. How can you confuse cinema with the construction of an international whoredom?... Trash content doesn't [serve human beings]. It is cultural poison. It ruins people's minds and wrecks society." - "volkk: I don't think a pro soccer player is comparable to an onlyfans contributor. I would much prefer my future kids to be inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo than someone baring themselves on camera."
5. Practicality of Visa Criteria and Economic Benefits The discussion included analysis of O-1 requirements (e.g., follower counts, revenue) and arguments that high-earning OF models provide net economic gains, while some noted the visa's loose criteria might be gameable or unfair compared to stricter visas like H-1B. - "shagie: For traditional arts, you've gotta be good. For an influencer... some number of anonymous followers? There are certainly some that would qualify... but they should be held to the same standards as others." - "qaq: just make it $ contingent OF models make ordinary income if someone is pulling in several million USD a year they are going to be paying a ton of taxes here. What is the downside?" - "aiauthoritydev: I am not a lawyer. But OF models using O1 visa is totally fine. It is the intended purpose... OF models who make a lot of money should totally qualify for this."