About
12 Year Olds is a collective term used online to categorize prepubescent children in the age group of 10 to 14 (at times 15 and 16 as well), most commonly those of the male gender. Due to their difference in behavior because of their young age in comparison to the more older and experienced regulars, along with their inexperience in online participation, they often make themselves stand out from the crowd unwillingly. This has gained 12 year olds a negative reputation online, commonly defined by their inexperience, childish behavior, lack of humor, bad grammar and punctuation, and often unsuccessful attempts to fit in. Due to anonymity online, older users showing behavior commonly combined with 12 year olds often risk being categorized as one or claimed one as well.
Origin / Background
[Researching]
Reputation
In Internet Culture
As the quantity of people being active of the internet rose over the years, so did the presence of 12 year olds. Over time, they have gained a reputation of invading the internet and ruining it for everyone else. As of September 13th, 2012, Urban Dictionary gives over 400 definitions when looking for “12 year olds”.[1] Most of these definitions satirically describe online communities that have a reputation of being popular with 12 year olds. Uncyclopedia[2] and Encyclopedia Dramatica[3] also feature articles for bashing 12 year olds and their presence online, giving quotes commonly associated with them and examples of where they can be found.
In Online Gaming
In online gaming, 12 year olds, or just young children in general, are commonly associated with a high pitched voice, lack of skill, and being a sore loser. Although another popular opinion is that gameplay commonly associated with young players is often responsible for ruining the fun for other players or even the game’s online multiplayer function completely. On Youtube, various videos can be found of people trolling or agressing young players to catch their reactions on tape for the entertainment of the viewer.
Related Memes
I’m Twelve Years Old And What Is This?
“I’m Twelve Years Old And What Is This?” is a catchphrase typically used to react to something that is considered vulgar or outlandish, such as x-rated media, or to express general confusion. The phrase parodies the inexperience of young users found on the internet and the content they might find that is still unknown to them, but well known to older, more experienced, users. The phrase also made its way as a popular reaction image, featuring images of people, commonly children, looking at a screen on a different object with a confusing look on their face.
First Day On The Internet Kid
First Day On The Internet Kid is an advice animal image macro series featuring a young kid being depicted as a new and inexperienced Internet user who is unfamiliar with certain aspects of the web; he is often described as a younger version of Lonely Computer Guy / Net Noob.
Search Interest
Search interest was reduced to just the categoy “Online Communities” to avoid results unrelated to the reputation of 12 year olds online.
External References
[1] Urban Dictionary – Search: ‘12 year olds’
[2] Uncyclopedia – 12 year olds invading the Internet
[3] Encyclopedia Dramatica – 13 year old boy