you serious? this place is on some sit by the campfire, say something bad to someone get banned type shit
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When did nerds become really shitty people?
- Thread starter sn00zer
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you serious? this place is on some sit by the campfire, say something bad to someone get banned type shit
teruterubozu
Member
I guess it's the entire internet, really, judging from the sudden explosion of horrible yahoo/fox/youtube/etc. comments.
MarkMclovin
Member
When they evolved into hipsters.
Well, given some replies here his is not the case. I can't relate in real life since I never had the nerd trouble. During all my school life classmates all were open to nerdy things, even if not everybody liked all of it of course. In Germany all my comrades grew up with anime on evening television, we read fantasy novels and of course lend each other DVDs, comics, manga, games and books. Could be that I was lucky, but I have many nerdy friends around Germany and the - as far as I know - didn't experience the segregation america presents.
I don't think you have to identify as a nerd to be a nerd. Nerd is the term for a person fullfilling the aspect of being very invested in something. The people who actually make "Nerd" their identity are usually weirdos.
Seriously, what is this? Dudebro GAF having a field day.
holy shit stop generalizing, shitlord
Ten years ago when I was lurking it didn't seem very welcoming to women. I go back to old threads and it's a very, very different environment and not one that I'd consider communal.
SliceSabre
Banned
Shitty acting 'nerds' have always been around they just may not have been able to express themselves in shitty ways because of other factors. i.e. social isolation in high school, bullying
Being on the internet frees you from these factors.
Being on the internet frees you from these factors.
Chuckie
Member
Principate
Saint Titanfall
Hitler clearly wasn't that socially awkward. It's not like any old random socially awkward person could give rousing speeches to hundreds of thousands. He was bat shit insane but it'd be silly to imply he didn't have charisma.
The biggest change I've seen in the advent of social media are that "nerds" have taken it upon themselves to try to stop artistic expression and mold a writer/artist's story to whatever their agenda is. New nerds believe that they can change whatever they want by lambasting and harassing creative talent to change their story to be more PC or to fit whatever their idea they have for how a game/book/character should be represented.
Very rarely do I think any good comes from boycotts and digging into the personal life of a creator because of something they have represented in their work, and gamers/comic fans/nerds have created this atmosphere of entitlement to have a say in the creative process of media.
Before we would talk about Goku's power levels and who could beat who in comics. Now we worry about the political agenda of a writer's personal life and if we should ruin their career.
Very rarely do I think any good comes from boycotts and digging into the personal life of a creator because of something they have represented in their work, and gamers/comic fans/nerds have created this atmosphere of entitlement to have a say in the creative process of media.
Before we would talk about Goku's power levels and who could beat who in comics. Now we worry about the political agenda of a writer's personal life and if we should ruin their career.
Brawly Likes to Brawl
Member
Hitler's problem was that he was too good at speaking with people. Not just anybody can manage to convince others that genocide is okay.
Mr. Luchador
Member
I look forward to the Socially Awkward Hitler memes in the near future.
I've been listening to GT's Tabletop
Adventures every week and it's a ton of fun - made me really want to play DnD myself, so me and a good friend of mine went to a similar place in town. Lots of kinda smelly 45+ y/o men and a single girl who everyone kept joking about being a girl. They got kinda fussy because we'd never played before and didn't have character sheets already totally filled out and in general we both just got kinda weird vibes. One of our friends who's a girl had wanted to come play too but in hindsight we were both glad she wasn't able to make it that day because it probably would have been super awkward.
Not trying to make a profound statement about needs or whatever but some people are really just weird
JensenBeeswax
Member
OP knows the wrong nerds. Watch out for those Elliot Rodger tendencies!
Vincent Grayson
Member
Yeah, as a lifelong nerd and D&D player, one thing that has *never* held any appeal for me is playing in game shops with randoms, pretty much exactly because I've heard so many people talk about experiences just like that.
Dismissive as it might be, I've always wondered if those kinds of scenarios (gaming in a shop) appeal mostly to people with the kind of personality that has prevented them from having enough friends to game anywhere else.
cubicle47b
Member
The nerds I meet in real life are generally pretty nice people. The people I see online (within virtually any group) are often really terrible to other people / groups even if they can't see it.
old manatee
Banned
Damn they gave you guys the Internet and you are still bullying them. I guess being good at dodge ball really is the most important thing.
To some, this explains it a bit, replace gamers with nerds.
Again, to some, not all.
How is Madden grouped in with bejeweled?
NoblesseOblige
Banned
I stopped associating with most other people in tech fields (who would call themselves nerds) midway through college when I noticed so many began to turn into bitter racists/misogynists. Either that or it just started to bother me around that time.
nephilimdj
Member
I think its a weird place, I went to the IT session at my local Uni open day only last week, barely anyone looked "nerdy", yet only 2 months ago at the anime/video game convention, was so many creepy neckbeard looking dudes in same group of 18-20
First, I have no idea how true the assumptions are.
But if they are true, it's because nerds have assumed a strong cultural position instead of being a marginalized minority.
Similarly, it isn't like "white people" are just born jerks; I propose that any group in the dominant social position behaves like jerks. They come from a position of assumed strength and privilege, and that tends to make people more jerky. Along the same lines, nerds have a stronger cultural influence now and certainly feel privileged when it comes to what movies and games are made.
So if nerds are now jerks (and again, I'm not sure that's true), it's because they've gone from persecuted minority to dominant cultural force and taste maker.
But if they are true, it's because nerds have assumed a strong cultural position instead of being a marginalized minority.
Similarly, it isn't like "white people" are just born jerks; I propose that any group in the dominant social position behaves like jerks. They come from a position of assumed strength and privilege, and that tends to make people more jerky. Along the same lines, nerds have a stronger cultural influence now and certainly feel privileged when it comes to what movies and games are made.
So if nerds are now jerks (and again, I'm not sure that's true), it's because they've gone from persecuted minority to dominant cultural force and taste maker.
Strangelove77
Member
Nerds have always been insufferable people, but now thanks to the Internet you can be inundated with their opinions no matter which website you're on. God knows they don't have anything else to do.
Also, I'd say most people classify themselves as nerds now, so a lot of shittiness has seeped in.
And this is stereotypical as hell and I'm probably not right, but I'm assuming they detest women because they can't get any.
Also, I'd say most people classify themselves as nerds now, so a lot of shittiness has seeped in.
And this is stereotypical as hell and I'm probably not right, but I'm assuming they detest women because they can't get any.
radios shipping overview
Member
Nah, this place was Lord of the Flies as hell ten years ago. It's always had a bunch of young males jockeying for position and attention and trying to one-up each other. Of course, it was much smaller and geekier and did have more of a community spirit as a result (nowadays it leans toward the feel of a comment section). But attitudes toward women and non-cis-males are much more progressive around here now than in the old days.
Shuggananas
Banned
User 73706
Banned
The problem isn't that nerds became shitty people - it's that shitty people became nerds. Esoteric subject matters drew together a bunch of shut-ins that finally found a place with people they could relate to while still staying within the confines of their social inabilities and this created an echo chamber over the course of 35-45 years, depending on who you ask. However, with social media evolving more and more these days and any number of practically infinite subjects becoming highly accessible to anyone with a stable internet connection, you have people "encroaching" on what should just be, well, general subject matter that anyone can sink their teeth into. But, surprise surprise, said echo chamber gets pissy that they're "taking away" the one subculture that allowed them to remain reclusive and hobbyist over shit that shouldn't be put on as large a pedestal as it is in the first place - see how defensive a handful of gaffers get when an Off-Topic thread tries to criticize Japanese culture, for example. And, again, pop culture isn't stealing nerd shit from nerds - it's just making it more accessible for both parties to enjoy. The problem is that the caustic echo chambers of nerd culture that festered for decades just ended up exponentially worsening the capacity for the "original nerds" to be willing to open up, change, develop as a person, etc.
tl;dr it's forcing the figurative (and occasionally literal) basement-dweller to go get some fresh air, and the thought of their precious animus and Buzzcut Shooter 6: Hetereonormatives Save America (Again, For The Last Time) and whatnot being put in the limelight terrifies them.
tl;dr it's forcing the figurative (and occasionally literal) basement-dweller to go get some fresh air, and the thought of their precious animus and Buzzcut Shooter 6: Hetereonormatives Save America (Again, For The Last Time) and whatnot being put in the limelight terrifies them.
Interfectum
Member
Technology fans in general are incredibly annoying when put in a massive group. Twitch chat, E3 conferences, console war threads, game review threads, PC Master Race subreddit, any conversation concerning Apple...
During games of Dota or WoW I sometimes question why even participate in these games considering the communities are so toxic, hateful and obnoxious.
I think it's always been like this though, just the internet shines a light directly on it.
During games of Dota or WoW I sometimes question why even participate in these games considering the communities are so toxic, hateful and obnoxious.
I think it's always been like this though, just the internet shines a light directly on it.
NoblesseOblige
Banned
So edgy.
TwEE-N-Toast
Banned
Probably the same time that every other group of people become "shitty people"?
Nerds are low hanging doughy fruit though.
Nerds are low hanging doughy fruit though.
Violence Jack
Member
Every geek/nerd I've ever met in real life have been good, down to earth people that loves talking about their fandoms. I just think, nerd or not, shitty people are going to be shitty despite what they identify as.
As many have said, the problems aren't exclusive or even really related to nerds in general; people who are jerks are jerks.
I do think that there is a kind of weird dual nature of exclusion and inclusiveness with nerds and the related groups, though. I mean, people have brought up how arcane knowledge and such are used as totems of "belonging" and how it keeps out others, but at the same time plenty of people have their own stories of "I felt I belonged here and nowhere else." Both attributes can be good thingsafter all the whole concept of "safe spaces" that feminists focus on are by their nature exclusionary, and there's something to be said for not expelling people over slight differencesbut they can also be toxic and detrimental, like if you rally around one of "yours" who is attacked, when you should probably just be distancing yourself from them at that point (probably one of the bigger issues with GamerGate and where it draws more support.)
I do think that there is a kind of weird dual nature of exclusion and inclusiveness with nerds and the related groups, though. I mean, people have brought up how arcane knowledge and such are used as totems of "belonging" and how it keeps out others, but at the same time plenty of people have their own stories of "I felt I belonged here and nowhere else." Both attributes can be good thingsafter all the whole concept of "safe spaces" that feminists focus on are by their nature exclusionary, and there's something to be said for not expelling people over slight differencesbut they can also be toxic and detrimental, like if you rally around one of "yours" who is attacked, when you should probably just be distancing yourself from them at that point (probably one of the bigger issues with GamerGate and where it draws more support.)
Baraka in the White House
2-Terms of Kombat
I feel like there were a lot more cuntzillas on GAF back then compared to now.
ultratruman
Banned
All people are shitty OP.
All people.
All people.
Probably the least edgy thing I have ever said.
User 73706
Banned
Yeah, this. Every time I peer into a thread before 2008 it's 90% "OMG :lol :lol :lol," dumbass remarks and like 60% of the people in them are banned.
Hoho for breakfast
Member
I see a lot of comments about anti social outcasts, shut ins, socially awkward people and so on...I'm pretty much one of those people and I'm very nice if I do say so myself.
Sure I have some "rage" toward the people who used to bully me all the time (who were certainly not nerds, yet were definitely shitty people imo!), but I'm not on the internet talking bad about black people or women or gays or the cool kids or any other group. Who the fuck am I to do something like that? Who the fuck is anyone to talk shit about anyone else for pretty much anything?
Anyway before I go off on a tangent, my point is people are people. Some are nice and some are shitty. I don't see the need to talk about nerds (or any other group of people) specifically being shitty people.
Sure I have some "rage" toward the people who used to bully me all the time (who were certainly not nerds, yet were definitely shitty people imo!), but I'm not on the internet talking bad about black people or women or gays or the cool kids or any other group. Who the fuck am I to do something like that? Who the fuck is anyone to talk shit about anyone else for pretty much anything?
Anyway before I go off on a tangent, my point is people are people. Some are nice and some are shitty. I don't see the need to talk about nerds (or any other group of people) specifically being shitty people.
benicillin
Banned
Just because you're a 'nerd' or a 'geek' doesn't mean that you're exempt from being a shitty person because shitty people are interested in all sorts of things.
That being said, I have noticed a really strange phenomena where some of the biggest bullies I've ever known were self-identified 'nerds' who were extremely harsh and judgemental. I went to one 'computer and gaming' club at my college which, in general, was full of cool people and even I felt out of place and looked down on when they would ask snide questions about what games I played or what I knew about computers, let alone one of the girls I came with who had her 'nerd cred' questioned endlessly the moment we walked through the door.
At first I'd think it was an outlier, but I've noticed it more and more and it's become a really pervasive thing on the Internet too.
That being said, I have noticed a really strange phenomena where some of the biggest bullies I've ever known were self-identified 'nerds' who were extremely harsh and judgemental. I went to one 'computer and gaming' club at my college which, in general, was full of cool people and even I felt out of place and looked down on when they would ask snide questions about what games I played or what I knew about computers, let alone one of the girls I came with who had her 'nerd cred' questioned endlessly the moment we walked through the door.
At first I'd think it was an outlier, but I've noticed it more and more and it's become a really pervasive thing on the Internet too.
I use to go to a board game group at my local game shop. It was mostly people 20 & up had a pretty good mix of men and women.
On the other side of the gaming room they had in the basement were Warhammer 40k guys. I remember many days where new comers would show up and would end up leaving half way through the day because of how awful that group was to them. If it was a woman who was a newcomer it was very cringe worthy the things they said to them.
Then there are the MTG teens who came and unpacked their decks quietly in a corner. That group was mostly dudes wearing their anime shirts and looking kind of unwashed. You could always tell when they arrived is when your nostrils filled with the stench of BO.
Overall I can understand why nerd/geek culture can be seen as being Misogynistic and hostile towards outsiders even within the nerd community.
On the other side of the gaming room they had in the basement were Warhammer 40k guys. I remember many days where new comers would show up and would end up leaving half way through the day because of how awful that group was to them. If it was a woman who was a newcomer it was very cringe worthy the things they said to them.
Then there are the MTG teens who came and unpacked their decks quietly in a corner. That group was mostly dudes wearing their anime shirts and looking kind of unwashed. You could always tell when they arrived is when your nostrils filled with the stench of BO.
Overall I can understand why nerd/geek culture can be seen as being Misogynistic and hostile towards outsiders even within the nerd community.
Correlation doesn't imply causation but I do think it's worth discussing why so many socially awkward neckbeard types /just so happen/ to be super into gaming, anime, etc. like 99% of the time.
Vincent Grayson
Member
Escapist fantasy has a lot of appeal when your life is a mess otherwise. I can't speak for anyone else, but I strongly suspect that was a large part of what made me so into games, fantasy novels, D&D, etc in my teen years. It was solace from the depression and the bullying and the awkwardness of youth.
I've met enough shitty people of all types to know that it's not only just "nerds". I have noticed that when a lot of people get picked on for being the way they are that (some) start turning sour and becoming hostile to anyone that tries to socialize with them as a defense mechanism. That includes other nice people that can turn them sour and it starts to spread like that. There are usually a lot of in fighting and drama within these groups too.
I'm starting to wonder if either people in general are starting to all become unwelcoming or that they are just starting to drop their act and be their true selves. I've been thinking about joining a computer club or going to a hobby shop recently but I've had bad experiences in the past that make me not want to even try and that's a real bummer (though being a major introvert doesn't help). I'd like for once to make friends or even acquaintances that have similar hobbies as me. But it seems like you have to constantly weed out all the shitty people to hopefully find a person or two that are really great. So far that is more work than it is worth unless your willing to put up with drama starting assholes. Lets not even start on about how most "friends" will just use you for whatever you have that they don't.
I'm starting to wonder if either people in general are starting to all become unwelcoming or that they are just starting to drop their act and be their true selves. I've been thinking about joining a computer club or going to a hobby shop recently but I've had bad experiences in the past that make me not want to even try and that's a real bummer (though being a major introvert doesn't help). I'd like for once to make friends or even acquaintances that have similar hobbies as me. But it seems like you have to constantly weed out all the shitty people to hopefully find a person or two that are really great. So far that is more work than it is worth unless your willing to put up with drama starting assholes. Lets not even start on about how most "friends" will just use you for whatever you have that they don't.
Hoho for breakfast
Member
Yeah I think that's perfectly fine to talk about and I think the answer is really pretty simple. I'd imagine because they don't have friends so don't go out much. What are you going to do for entertainment if/when you're not getting it from socializing?
Media. Games/internet/movies/anime/books...."nerd" stuff.
I'm pretty sure I'm mildly autistic (I have issues conversing and making eye contact and things like that like a normal person would), and basically when I was a kid I'd get anxiety with groups of people. 1 on 1 I'm fine but in groups I just get uncomfortable real quick. So I learned young that it made me uncomfortable and I'd avoid it when I could. What made me comfortable would basically be media. And so I think that's kind of where it comes from. At least for me. I imagine for others though as well.
Missile Defense
Banned
I was definitely speaking broadly but I did make reference to my own experience. Funny thing is that I'm in a senor technical role (technical federal pre-sales) and used to consider myself a super nerd, but I sort of grew out of it. Young "nerds" at work and among friends and family sure do fit the description though.
Hah! I tried to make this point once and got shot down on account that you can't pay blue collar workers anymore without computers and the banking system, accounting software and etc. I tried to argue that the computers are there to support the workforce and not the other way around and in doing so I only made their case.
What can I say... Can't win arguments with nerds these days.
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