 The show received praise from television critics and parental groups . It also found an unlikely audience in a large group of adult Internet users in late 2010 and early 2011 . These fans , mostly male , were drawn to the show 's characters , stories , animation style , and influence of the show 's propagation as an Internet meme . The fandom adopted the name brony ( plural bronies ) , a portmanteau of " bro " and " pony " . Though initially considered to propagate the humorous and ironic concept of people enjoying a show for young girls , the fandom has shown deeper appreciation for the show far beyond this concept , and is considered part of a New Sincerity trend . Its technology @-@ savvy members have created numerous works in writing , music , art , and video based on the show , have established websites and fan conventions for the show , and have participated in charitable events around the show and those that create it . Bronies are a subculture . 
