Cam whore

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A cam whore (sometimes cam-whore or cam-slut)[1] is an individual who exposes himself or herself on the Internet with webcam software in exchange for goods, usually by encouraging viewers to purchase items on their wish lists or add to their online accounts.[2] While the label is usually considered derogatory and insulting,[3] it is also used by these people to describe themselves, occasionally in a self-deprecating manner.

The term "cam whore" is also used to refer to individuals who post pictures or videos of themselves on the Internet to gain attention. The term disparages those who post pictures of themselves at inappropriate times or places, and usually implies self-absorption. This second usage of the term, deriding vanity and histrionics, is overtaking the prior, more intuitive definition. It is usually synonymous with attention whore.

The term was first used in print as early as November 2001,[4] but may have originated in Australia as early as 1999.[5]

Some insight into the world of underage cam whores was provided by a major article in the New York Times. It described the story of Justin Berry, a thirteen-year old boy who, after hooking up his webcam and listing himself on an online forum in order to make friends, was propositioned by older men to strip and masturbate on camera.[6] CNN referred to him as "in the language of cyberspace... a cam-whore".[7] He eventually started his own paysite, was molested for money, sold video recordings of his encounters with Mexican prostitutes, and helped hire other underage models.[6] He made several hundred thousand dollars over five years.[6] In the end he turned all information over to prosecutors in exchange for immunity.[6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Bannister-Andrews, Bethany. (April 14, 2006) U-WIRE Indiana U.: COMMENTARY: Gaming sex-ploitation continues; women increase use, play.
  2. ^ Prager, Michael. (May 29, 2002) Boston Globe Wired now looks as good as it is. Section: Li';l'kving; Pge D4.
  3. ^ Chua, Grace. (July 30, 2006) The Straits Times Look, it's me - Babes who blog.
  4. ^ Torpy, Kathryn. (November 10, 2001) The Courier-Mail Virtual lolitas. Page 4.
  5. ^ Oppert, Allan; Mullens, Ken. (November 14, 2004) Sunday Mail (Adelaide, Australia). Surviving a great white: How it feels to be a webcam girl. Section: Features2; Page 66. (writing, "The first lot of cam girls coined the phrase "cam whores" as a bit of a tongue-in-cheek thing. [In 1999, we] were whoring ourselves for hits, getting on cam and flirting.")
  6. ^ a b c d Eichenwald, Kurt (2005-12-19). The New York Times Through His Webcam, a Boy Joins a Sordid Online World..
  7. ^ Phillips, Kyra. (December 21, 2005) CNN News Protecting Kids From Internet Dangers. Part 2.