Having faced her own struggles, she warns that the reality of the adult entertainment business is far different from what it may appear. She says the keenness to join the industry should not come from the need to live a certain lifestyle “because that’s not the case.” She stresses, “I am very much an outlier, the reason that I am able to be so successful on that platform is because I am extremely fortunate… but I’ve also paid the price with a lot of misfortune. So, me going on to that platform felt like a reclamation rather than ‘oh I wanna do this so that I can live like this’.”

As more conversations around the complexities of sex work surface, Khalifa’s message raises critical questions about the portrayal of the industry and the misconceptions that surround it today.

Young women who enter the sex work industry without full awareness of its demands and realities often face severe societal stigma (Source: Freepik)

Common misconceptions about the adult entertainment industry that might mislead young women

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist at Cadabam’s Mindtalk, tells indianexpress.com, “One of the most widespread misconceptions about the adult entertainment industry is that it offers quick and effortless financial gains. While it’s often glamourised in the media, many fail to realize the underlying exploitation, lack of job security, and emotional toll involved.”

Young women are particularly vulnerable to this illusion, she mentions, believing they can achieve financial independence easily. “However, the reality is much harsher — income can be inconsistent, contracts restrictive, and performers often face stigma that can have long-term implications on future opportunities and mental health.”

Additionally, the industry is competitive, and those without prior knowledge may struggle with the power dynamics and manipulative practices that can be rampant.

Potential societal and personal consequences for young women

Cadabam states, “Entering the adult industry before reaching emotional and cognitive maturity (often thought to solidify by 25) can have lasting effects on a person’s mental health. During this stage, individuals are still developing their identity and emotional resilience, which makes them more vulnerable to external pressures.”

In the adult industry, she adds, where performers often face objectification and judgment, young entrants may develop “low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.” Cadabam discloses, “Research suggests that younger individuals are more susceptible to exploitation and manipulation, which can lead to long-term emotional trauma.”

Young women who enter the sex work industry without full awareness of its demands and realities often face severe societal stigma, says Cadabam. “This can limit future job prospects, sever relationships, and lead to social isolation. On a societal level, these women may be judged harshly, even though their choice may have been influenced by misleading notions about the industry’s potential rewards,” Cadabam concludes.