The internet has given birth to numerous memes and viral sensations over the years, but few have captured the hearts of people like the “I Like Turtles” kid. The young boy’s enthusiastic declaration of his love for turtles became an instant hit, spreading like wildfire across social media platforms and online forums. As the years went by, the meme continued to evolve, with many wondering what had become of the kid behind the iconic phrase.
The Rise to Fame
The “I Like Turtles” kid, whose real name is Jonathan Ware, first rose to fame in 2007 when a video of him being interviewed by a local news station went viral. The then-9-year-old’s infectious enthusiasm and adorable demeanor made him an overnight sensation, with the video racking up millions of views on YouTube and other video-sharing platforms.
A Lasting Impact
The “I Like Turtles” meme has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with references to it appearing in TV shows, movies, and music. It has also inspired countless memes, jokes, and parodies, cementing its place in the annals of internet history. But as the years went by, many began to wonder what had become of Jonathan, the kid behind the meme.
In this article, we’ll take a look at where the “I Like Turtles” kid is now, exploring what he’s been up to since his rise to fame and how he’s coping with the legacy of his viral sensation.
The Rise of the “I Like Turtles” Kid
The “I Like Turtles” kid, also known as Jonathan Ware, became an internet sensation in 2007 when a video of him being interviewed by a local news station went viral. The video showed Jonathan, then 7 years old, enthusiastically declaring his love for turtles during a segment about a turtle-themed event at a local zoo.
The video quickly spread across the internet, with many people finding Jonathan’s innocent and excited demeanor endearing. The clip was shared widely on social media platforms, and Jonathan became an unlikely celebrity overnight.
The Viral Video
The video that started it all was filmed by a local news station in Kentucky, where Jonathan lived with his family. The station was covering a story about a turtle-themed event at the Louisville Zoo, and Jonathan was one of the attendees who was interviewed by the reporter.
In the video, Jonathan is seen standing in front of the zoo’s turtle exhibit, wearing a big smile on his face. When the reporter asks him what he likes about the event, Jonathan excitedly responds, “I like turtles!” The reporter then asks him to elaborate, and Jonathan proudly declares, “I like turtles, yeah! They’re so cool!”
The video’s simplicity and Jonathan’s infectious enthusiasm made it a hit with internet users. It was shared widely on social media platforms, and soon Jonathan was being hailed as the “I Like Turtles” kid. (See Also: Why Do Turtles Need To Bask)
The Aftermath of Viral Fame
After the video went viral, Jonathan became a minor celebrity. He was interviewed by several media outlets, including TV shows and newspapers. He even landed a few endorsement deals, including one with a toy company that produced turtle-themed toys.
However, Jonathan’s newfound fame also brought some challenges. He was subjected to bullying and teasing by his classmates, who would often chant “I like turtles!” whenever they saw him. Jonathan’s parents also had to deal with the pressure of managing their son’s sudden fame, including handling requests for interviews and appearances.
Despite the challenges, Jonathan’s parents tried to keep his life as normal as possible. They limited his media appearances and ensured that he continued to attend school and participate in extracurricular activities.
The Impact on Jonathan’s Life
Looking back, Jonathan has said that his viral fame had both positive and negative effects on his life. On the positive side, it gave him confidence and helped him develop a sense of humor about himself. He also got to experience things that most kids his age could only dream of, such as meeting celebrities and appearing on TV shows.
On the negative side, Jonathan has said that the constant attention and scrutiny took a toll on his mental health. He felt like he was living in a fishbowl, with everyone watching his every move. He also struggled with the pressure of living up to his “I Like Turtles” persona, feeling like he had to always be “on” and entertaining.
Despite the challenges, Jonathan has said that he is grateful for the experience. He has learned to laugh at himself and not take things too seriously. He has also developed a sense of empathy for others who may be going through similar experiences.
Where Is the “I Like Turtles” Kid Now?
So, what is Jonathan Ware doing now? After his viral fame died down, Jonathan returned to a relatively normal life. He continued to attend school and pursue his interests in music and art.
Today, Jonathan is a young adult who is pursuing a career in music. He has released several albums and EPs, and has performed at various venues and festivals. He has also continued to advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues. (See Also: Where Can We Find Turtles)
In recent years, Jonathan has spoken publicly about his struggles with anxiety and depression, and has used his platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues. He has also become involved in various charity initiatives, including working with organizations that support children’s mental health and well-being.
Lessons Learned
Jonathan’s story serves as a reminder that viral fame can be both a blessing and a curse. While it can bring opportunities and experiences that most people can only dream of, it can also take a toll on one’s mental health and well-being.
Jonathan’s experience also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. As a society, we often put people on pedestals and expect them to be perfect, but the reality is that everyone struggles with their own demons. By sharing his story, Jonathan has shown that it’s okay to not be okay, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Ultimately, Jonathan’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. Despite the challenges he faced, he has come out the other side with a sense of purpose and direction. He is using his platform to make a positive impact, and is inspiring others to do the same.
Recap
In this article, we explored the story of Jonathan Ware, also known as the “I Like Turtles” kid. We looked at how he became an internet sensation overnight, and the impact that viral fame had on his life. We also discussed where Jonathan is now, and the lessons that can be learned from his experience.
The key points from this article are:
- Jonathan Ware became an internet sensation in 2007 after a video of him being interviewed by a local news station went viral.
- The video showed Jonathan enthusiastically declaring his love for turtles during a segment about a turtle-themed event at a local zoo.
- Jonathan’s viral fame brought both positive and negative effects, including confidence and bullying.
- Today, Jonathan is a young adult who is pursuing a career in music and advocating for mental health awareness.
- Jonathan’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding, and the need to prioritize mental health and well-being.
We hope that this article has provided a comprehensive look at the story of the “I Like Turtles” kid, and has inspired readers to think about the impact of viral fame on individuals and society as a whole. (See Also: What Is The Baby Turtles Name In Finding Nemo)
Frequently Asked Questions About The “I Like Turtles” Kid
What is the “I Like Turtles” kid’s real name?
The “I Like Turtles” kid’s real name is Jonathan Ware. He became an internet sensation after a video of him enthusiastically declaring his love for turtles went viral.
What happened to the “I Like Turtles” kid after the video went viral?
After the video went viral, Jonathan Ware and his family appeared on several TV shows, including The Today Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He also became a popular meme and cultural reference, with many people using his image and catchphrase to express their enthusiasm for various things.
Is the “I Like Turtles” kid still active online?
Although Jonathan Ware is no longer as actively involved in online content creation as he was during the height of his viral fame, he still maintains a social media presence and occasionally posts updates about his life.
What is the “I Like Turtles” kid doing now?
As an adult, Jonathan Ware has pursued a career in music and has released several albums. He has also spoken publicly about his experiences with internet fame and its impact on his life.
Can I still watch the original “I Like Turtles” video?
Yes, the original “I Like Turtles” video is still available to watch on YouTube and other online platforms. It remains a beloved and iconic piece of internet history, and many people continue to enjoy watching it and sharing it with others.
