Is the term nerd, geek or square (though they all have slightly differing connotations) becoming obsolete in our post-information age? We all know the 'cool geek' image is becoming more and more accepted, and all but the most google-eyed of nerds are really 'teased' (and never openly), but are we approaching an era when the nerd fraternity will become meaningless? Is the coming generation so in touch with technology that 'nerds' are dying out? A rather interesting issue to think about...

Is the term nerd, geek or square (though they all have slightly differing connotations) becoming obsolete in our post-information age? We all know the 'cool geek' image is becoming more and more accepted, and all but the most google-eyed of nerds are really 'teased' (and never openly), but are we approaching an era when the nerd fraternity will become meaningless? Is the coming generation so in touch with technology that 'nerds' are dying out? A rather interesting issue to think about...


I think the term "dork" is gaining popularity.

I think the term "dork" is gaining popularity.


Dork is rearing it's ugly head again?

Dork is rearing it's ugly head again?


Yes, although "Spaz" and "dweeb" seem to be laying dormant.

Yes, although "Spaz" and "dweeb" seem to be laying dormant.


I think 'Spaz' - short for 'Spastic' (mentally handicapped person) is now politically incorrect.

A nerd is no longer somebody who is is expert at computers and technology, but a boring person to whom it is their all-consuming passion.

A nerd is no longer somebody who is is expert at computers and technology, but a boring person to whom it is their all-consuming passion.


Or a person presumed to be boring by non-nerds, anyway...

Maybe. However, with modern technology you can do "cool" stuff with computers, whereas in the '80s and even the early '90s they were more for BBSes and programming, rather than games, music, and general communication.

In the 1980s, computers and stuff existed and people generally knew they did, but actually using them a lot made you more of a geek.  Whereas Gen Y almost embraces things that Gen X would consider geeky, i.e. the Internet, avoiding TV, abstaining from sex, etc.  However, there are certain things that Gen Y probably generally considers nerdy, like comic books or anime porn, so perhaps the concept of nerd has changed, rather than nerds simply ceasing to exist. 

Also, Gen Y still seems to hate math, just like Gen X. 

Yeah, I think that nerd and dork are becoming really popular. I've see shirts that say "I love Nerds" and patches that say "dork", but they're worn as a 'cool' fashion statement. I personally wouldn't wear them. ;D

Maybe. However, with modern technology you can do "cool" stuff with computers, whereas in the '80s and even the early '90s they were more for BBSes and programming, rather than games, music, and general communication.

In the 1980s, computers and stuff existed and people generally knew they did, but actually using them a lot made you more of a geek.  Whereas Gen Y almost embraces things that Gen X would consider geeky, i.e. the Internet, avoiding TV, abstaining from sex, etc.  However, there are certain things that Gen Y probably generally considers nerdy, like comic books or anime porn, so perhaps the concept of nerd has changed, rather than nerds simply ceasing to exist. 

Also, Gen Y still seems to hate math, just like Gen X. 


Nerdy today are things like Online RPG gaming, really technical sims, studying computer languages in your spare time....that sort of thing.