From functional possession to fictional access in the digital age: a starting point for an OnlyFans philosophy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The human propensity for possession and ownership has been a defining characteristic throughout history, influencing the structuring of societies. The advent of digital technology, however, challenges traditional notions of possession and necessitates a redefinition of the concept. This paper aims to explore the resignification of possession in the digital age through a philosophical reflection based on an anthropological analysis. It contrasts two paradigmatic forms of possession: the material collection in the ‘thing’ civilization and the data-based access in the digital civilization. Ultimately, the research shows, analyzing the OnlyFans platform model, how the digital age has fundamentally changed the human mode of possession, demanding a new paradigm in both virtual and augmented reality, while emphasizing the irreplaceable material reference when it comes to the intimate aspects of Homo Sapiens. The transition from material collection to digital access signifies a profound change in human self-perception and social structures and reflects the general cultural and existential changes triggered by technological progress.
Source: AI and Ethics
Author: Cristiano Calì
Institution: University of Turin
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W7125487785