Why people pay for adult content in a free-access world

Why would anyone pay for content when adult content is all over the internet and platforms like Pornhub is mostly free?

- Hein Kaiser

It's a question that, according to psychologist Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys and content creators, has an easy answer.

It's about intimacy, not explicitness, said Redelinghuys.

"There may be a range of reasons for people opting for paid-for platforms over free platforms. The idea that a person is purchasing a curated or personalised experience may be part of it," he said.

"Another reason may be attached to attaining a more intimate or personal connection as a result of being in a smaller group of content consumers with which a performer may interact with."

Redelinghuys said the online platform model is just an evolution of older forms of paid intimacy.

"It is an evolved form of phone-sex hotlines, adult clubs, magazine pornography and other services all rolled into one," he said.