Same here. I started searching the internet right when I was allowed to sit in front of the screen by myself. I was probably too young, but I started finding all kinds of things. Some were disturbing at first, but then others were extremely comforting. Although I was way younger than 18, I found out about DPF and went on all the time.. then Wet Set came about when I was a little older.
But before the internet i still didn't think I was alone.. I knew enough to be quiet about it, but I always kept fairly optimistic.