opinion

Staying Safe Online and in Person as a Creator

Staying Safe Online and in Person as a Creator

‘They stole my computer.”

“What? Are you sure?”

You can have fun and shoot content while out or traveling, without risking your safety or the safety of those with you.

I don’t need to hear the answer, though. The truth is staring back at us from the now-empty desk littered with scraps of paper, empty Fiji water bottles and leftover burger wrappers. Underneath, a flattened white rectangle in the carpet offers the only proof that the custom-built streaming desktop computer was ever there.

Years of content, all gone. Thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment, gone. Feeling safe in your own home? Guess what: also gone. Luckily, my friend was able to move, but she never recovered her stolen property, even after she found out who broke into her home.

No one ever thinks it’s going to happen to them, until it does. That’s why it’s important to take your personal privacy and security seriously.

The Best Protection Is Prevention

Sometimes “shit happens” and there is nothing you can do about it. But there are some basic steps you can take to safeguard your home, your assets and yourself. Covering those bases means you can relax a bit, knowing that you have done all you can.

Let’s start with the most basic element of privacy: where you live. Everyone gets excited when a package arrives, but most people don’t realize how easy it is for someone to get the final shipping destination from Amazon once they’ve placed an order off your Amazon wish list.

This is why getting a P.O. box is one of the first things I advise anyone to do when starting out in adult work — especially if you hope to receive gifts or need a business mailing address for shipping things to fans. Be warned, though: Having a P.O. box won’t help if you aren’t also careful to make sure nobody targets you by staking out the box!

Try Not to Use Your Real Name

Lady Gaga’s real name isn’t Lady Gaga. The same is true about Jay-Z, 50 Cent and myriad other performers. You should not use your real name online. In fact, I strongly advise against it.

Artists have used stage names for ages. It is about more than just branding and marketing; it also impacts safety and privacy. Using your legal name, celebrating your real birthday publicly or posting other sensitive identifying information — such as pictures or videos with your license plate in them, the street you live on, what the front of your house looks like, what car you drive and who your family is — are all risky actions that make it significantly easier for anyone to find you.

Be Wary of Location Reveals

You may aspire to be like the popular models and influencers on Instagram or TikTok, who post their whereabouts every second of the day, but don't risk your safety or the safety of those with you. You can still have fun and shoot content while out or traveling; simply wait until after you’ve left a particular location or destination before posting the content you shot there. It’s not hard to queue up a few days’ worth of content before you leave on a trip, for daily release as if you’re still back home.

Home Security Systems

Investing in a security system does more than keep out nosy neighbors; it deters likely threats and potential break-ins. If you live in a house, it’s worth looking into a digital security system. Cameras posted around the property, and a motion-activated light outside doors and windows, can work wonders.

Or just adopt a big fuzzy dog! For home security, almost nothing beats Clifford the Big Red Dog. Even the Taco Bell chihuahua barks loud enough to wake you up. Dogs are one of the best forms of security, plus they’re good for your mental health! Thank me later.

Prioritizing Safety Pays Off

Setting up security systems, adopting a stage name and never posting immediately from where you are may seem like a lot of effort, but ultimately the peace of mind is worth it. It will help you enjoy your work more, do your job better — and even make more money, since other creators will be more likely to work with you, knowing they will not have to worry about their own safety.

I’m not suggesting you live in fear, just that you do all you can to protect and take care of yourself. Self-care extends beyond facials and massages! Get a security system, get a dog and be safe. It’s better to have these measures in place and never need them, than to discover you need them when it’s too late.

SmartyKat314 is a multi-nominated adult content producer and performer. Specializing in full-length role-play videos, she has amassed hundreds of millions of views online during the course of her career. Find her @SmartyKat314 on Twitter and Instagram, as well as SmartyKat314.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

WIA Profile: Lexi Morin

Lexi Morin’s journey into the adult industry began with a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith. In 2011, fresh-faced and ambitious, she was scrolling through job ads on Craigslist when she stumbled upon a listing for an assistant makeup artist.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Still Rocking: The Hun Celebrates 30 Years in the Game

In the ever-changing landscape of adult entertainment, The Hun’s Yellow Pages stands out for its endurance. As one of the internet’s original fixtures, literally nearly as old as the web itself, The Hun has functioned as a living archive for online adult content, quietly maintaining its relevance with an interface that feels more nostalgic than flashy.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment

The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.

Steve Lightspeed ·
opinion

More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits

The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform

The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Reinventing Intimacy: A Look at AI's Implications for Adult Platforms

The adult industry has long revolved around delivering pleasure and entertainment, but now it’s moving into new territory: intimacy, connection and emotional fulfillment. And AI companions are at the forefront of that shift.

Daniel Keating ·
profile

WIA: Sara Edwards on Evolving Clip Culture and Creator Empowerment

Though she works behind the scenes, Sara Edwards has had a front-row seat to the evolution of adult content creation. Having been immersed in the sector since 1995, she has a unique perspective on the industry.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Segpay Marks 20 Years of High-Risk Triumphs

Payment processors are behind-the-scenes players in the world of ecommerce, yet their role is critical. Ensuring secure, seamless transactions while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape requires both technological expertise and business acumen.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More