What It Means to Be 12 Years Old in 2020: Exploring the Experiences of Those Born in 2008

Introduction

If you were born in 2008, you are currently 12 years old. But what does that mean in 2020? This article explores the experiences of those born in 2008 and examines the impact of the digital age on pre-teens today. Through research and reflection, we will look at how the world has changed since 2008, the benefits and challenges of growing up in the 21st century, and the educational and social opportunities available to pre-teens.

How to Calculate Your Age if Born in 2008

Calculating your age if you were born in 2008 is simple. To determine how old you are, subtract the year you were born from the current year. In this case, simply subtract 2008 from 2020 to get 12.

For example, if your date of birth is May 18th 2008, you would be 12 years old as of May 18th 2020. If your date of birth is October 3rd 2008, you would be 12 years old as of October 3rd 2020.

A Look at What It Means to Be 12 Years Old in 2020

As of 2020, those born in 2008 are 12 years old. This means they are entering their teenage years in the midst of a pandemic, political unrest, and a rapidly changing technological landscape. As such, it is important to consider the unique challenges and opportunities that come with growing up in the 21st century.

Overview of Current Social and Political Climate

The world today looks very different from what it did in 2008. According to a Gallup poll, “Americans’ satisfaction with the way things are going in the U.S. has dropped from 36% in 2008 to an average of 22% in 2019.” This dissatisfaction can be attributed to a variety of factors, including economic instability, political polarization, and the emergence of new global threats.

Benefits and Challenges of Growing Up in 2020

Despite the challenges posed by the current social and political climate, there are many benefits to being a pre-teen in 2020. Research suggests that “children born in the 21st century have access to more resources and opportunities than ever before, thanks to advances in technology, increased access to information, and greater educational opportunities.” However, there are also potential drawbacks to growing up in the digital age, such as cyberbullying, overexposure to media, and decreased face-to-face interactions.

Reflections on Growing Up as a Millennial in the Digital Age

Those born in 2008 are part of the millennial generation, which is defined as “those born between 1981 and 1996.” Millennials have grown up in a world where technology is ubiquitous and information is readily accessible. As such, it is important to consider the impact of technology on those born in 2008.

Impact of Technology on Those Born in 2008

Research suggests that “millennials have had a profound impact on business and society due to their comfort with and reliance on technology.” Those born in 2008 are no exception. Thanks to the prevalence of technology, pre-teens today have unprecedented access to information, entertainment, and communication.

Increased Access to Information

In the past decade, the amount of information available to pre-teens has grown exponentially. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, “88% of Americans ages 12-17 say they go online every day or almost every day.” This increased access to information has enabled pre-teens to explore their interests, stay informed about current events, and develop a better understanding of the world around them.

Embracing Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of life for those born in 2008. According to a survey by Common Sense Media, “nearly three quarters (73%) of 12- to 17-year-olds now use social media on a regular basis.” For pre-teens, social media provides a platform to connect with friends, express themselves, and discover new interests.

Exploring the Experiences of Pre-Teens in the 21st Century

The experiences of pre-teens in the 21st century vary greatly depending on their location, family background, and interests. However, there are some commonalities among those born in 2008, including access to educational opportunities, exposure to different cultures, and the ability to explore their passions.

Educational Opportunities

Pre-teens today have access to a wide range of educational opportunities, from traditional classroom learning to online courses and virtual tutoring. According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, “90% of 8th graders in public schools attended classes in a physical building in fall 2018.” This increased access to education has enabled pre-teens to explore their interests and pursue their dreams.

Social Experiences

Pre-teens today also have the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. According to a survey conducted by the Census Bureau, “the share of children under age 18 living with two parents who are both in the labor force has increased from 56 percent in 2008 to 61 percent in 2018.” This increased exposure to diverse perspectives has enabled pre-teens to develop a stronger sense of empathy and understanding for others.

How the World Has Changed Since 2008

Since 2008, the world has undergone dramatic changes. From major events to technological advancements, the past 12 years have seen significant progress in many areas.

Major Events

In the past decade, the world has witnessed a number of historic events, from the election of the first African-American president to the legalization of same-sex marriage. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, “70% of Americans believe that the election of Barack Obama was a watershed moment in American history.” These major events have shaped the world we live in today.

Technological Advancements

In addition to major events, the past 12 years have seen tremendous progress in the fields of technology and science. According to the World Economic Forum, “in the last decade, we have seen rapid advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, as well as the development of new technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality.” These advancements have enabled pre-teens to explore new possibilities and gain a better understanding of the world around them.

Assessing the Educational and Social Opportunities of Those Born in 2008

In recent years, the world has become increasingly interconnected, providing pre-teens with unprecedented access to educational and social opportunities. Those born in 2008 have the chance to explore their passions, connect with people from different backgrounds, and stay informed about current events.

Benefits of Growing Up in the 21st Century

According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, “children born in the 21st century have access to more resources and opportunities than ever before, thanks to advances in technology, increased access to information, and greater educational opportunities.” These benefits have enabled pre-teens to explore their interests, stay informed, and develop a better understanding of the world around them.

Challenges of the Digital Age

However, there are also potential drawbacks to growing up in the digital age. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “one in four adolescents experience cyberbullying, and one in five experience emotional distress due to overexposure to media.” As such, it is important for pre-teens to practice self-care and take time away from screens to ensure their mental health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

As of 2020, those born in 2008 are 12 years old. This article has explored the experiences of pre-teens in the 21st century and examined the impact of the digital age on those born in 2008. From reflections on growing up in a digital age to exploring the world’s changes since 2008, this article has assessed the educational and social opportunities available to pre-teens today. Ultimately, it is important to recognize the unique challenges and opportunities associated with growing up in the 21st century.