# Interweb Geek Awards These Internet Merit Badges are a Fun Way to Celebrate Nerdom By Jordan M | Published 2011-02-17 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/internet-merit-badges References: [internetmeritbadges](http://www.internetmeritbadges.com/) Pop culture is long past the days when it was embarrassing to embrace your inner nerd and in that loud and proud spirit these bright and fun Internet Merit Badges by Alex Brown let you commemorate some of your online achievements. Featuring iconic landmark accomplishments such as 'Banhammer'd' (which is earned by being banned from an Internet forum or chatboard), or the 'Dial Up Veteran' badge (which commemorates the horrifying days when you had to use a phone line to connect to the Internet at 14.4 kb/s), these Internet Merit Badges will bring knowing smiles to the faces of experience Internet fiends. Best of all, they aren't even expensive which means you can easily rack up the whole collection (if you're qualified) and wear them all with pride. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/internet) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Geek Culture:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in this trend include creating unique merchandise and experiences that cater to the growing geek community. - **Online Achievements:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in this trend include developing digital platforms and services that allow users to track and showcase their online accomplishments. - **Retro Nostalgia:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in this trend include launching products and events that tap into nostalgia for old technologies and cultural references. ### Where This Applies - **E-commerce:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in this industry include creating an online marketplace for selling and trading unique geek merchandise. - **Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in this industry include developing gaming platforms that integrate with social networks to showcase and reward online achievements. - **Event Planning:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in this industry include organizing conventions and festivals that celebrate geek culture and retro nostalgia. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Patio Behavior Badges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patio-behavior-badges.md) - [Tech-Inspired Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-crocs.md) - [Visual Graphic-Inspired Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esc-keys.md) - [Software-Inspired Clog Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windows-xp-crocs.md) - [Connected Conference Badge Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/programmable-display.md) - [Vintage Icon-Themed Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/susan-kare.md) - [AI Merit Badges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scouts-merit-badge.md) - [Web Badge Creators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/badge-my-app.md) - [Retro Tech Sweaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-holiday-sweater.md)