Nerds, Stereotypes, Math, Science, Video Games, and Fantasy

**Posts:** 14 · by **Lost1023** » Mon Feb 22, 2021 5:09 pm

One stereotype I heard about what people would call as 'socially awkward nerds' is that 'nerds' like these two separate and different groups of interests.

The first group of interest is the STEM academics group. They are generally a group of very mentally difficult academics that 'nerds' are known to have great expertise on. They are:

1. Science
2. Engineering
3. Technology
4. Mathematics

The second group of interest that 'nerds' are known for being passionate consumers of are these specific forms of entertainment. They are:

1. Video games
2. Animation
3. Comics
4. Table top games
5. Fantasy genre
6. Science Fiction genre
7. Action genre
8. Superhero genre
9. Horror genre
10. Violent thriller genre

Now I am wondering if this is true. How come that 'nerds' are great practitioners of STEM academics but are also passionate consumers of the group of entertainment forms that I mentioned such as video games, comics, cartoons, etc.?

The reason why I am wondering is because the group of entertainment forms that I mentioned such as video games, comics, cartoons, etc. are often widely known to impair one's expertise and learning in Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Engineering. For example, letting your addiction to video games, anime, fantasy, etc. consume your life will eventually make you develop a slacker habit and impair your ability and focus on learning Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology.

Is this stereotype of 'nerds' true? Does this 'nerd' archetype even exist in real life? Or could it be that the socially awkward one who is a genius in Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Engineering is actually a completely separate and completely different person from the socially awkward one who is a passionate addicted consumer of video games, comics, science fiction, fantasy, anime, etc.?

What do you think? What is the psychology behind this? How do the so called 'socially awkward nerds' function psychologically? I am wondering cause I am not what people would stereotype as a 'socially awkward nerd'. I am a normal track and field athlete who has many friends. I am bad at Math and have zero interest in video games, anime, comics, etc. Don't get me wrong. I am not judging people who are 'nerds'. I am just curious. Please help me.

**Posts:** 41697 · by **desperate788** » Mon Feb 22, 2021 6:24 pm

I would like to help but couldn't understand anything... So get cool

**Posts:** 41697 · by **desperate788** » Mon Feb 22, 2021 6:50 pm

Video games cool.. Used to enjoy. Fantasy fiction too liked very much hitchhikers guide to galaxy. Reading books is nice I don't enjoy currently unfortunately

**Posts:** 12131 · by **Richard@DecisionSkills** » Mon Feb 22, 2021 7:23 pm

Lost1023 wrote:The reason why I am wondering is because the group of entertainment forms that I mentioned such as video games, comics, cartoons, etc. are often widely known to impair one's expertise and learning in Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Engineering. For example, letting your addiction to video games, anime, fantasy, etc. consume your life will eventually make you develop a slacker habit and impair your ability and focus on learning Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology.

I think you might be overlooking the connection between science and science fiction. Have you ever heard nerds have a passionate discussion about if Thor's hammer could really smash X or Y? Is it theoretically possible? How does the USS Enterprise achieve warp speed? How does a lightsaber cut through a bulkhead like butter? And this applies to all the other genres you mentioned as well.

These discussion revolve around science, technology, engineering, and math. So when the nerds are not studying the literal topic, when they are just relaxing with friends, they are still twisting around different cool ideas related to STEM.

Certainly there can be a problem when there is a lack of balance. As you pointed out a person can become addicted. The rush of dopamine from playing a video game can be consuming for some. This doesn't mean they are not a nerd, but rather they lose the motivation to pursue STEM at an academic level.

Not all nerds are interested in STEM, but there is a connection between enjoying the genres you mention and the STEM fields.

**Posts:** 14 · by **Lost1023** » Tue Feb 23, 2021 4:45 am

desperate788 wrote:I would like to help but couldn't understand anything... So get cool

Then why did you even bothered to make this reply of yours?

**Posts:** 41697 · by **desperate788** » Tue Feb 23, 2021 1:47 pm

just to chat..sorry if that annoyed you.

**Posts:** 14 · by **Lost1023** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 7:21 pm

desperate788 wrote:just to chat..sorry if that annoyed you.

Okay

**Posts:** 39 · by **romanrusso** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 7:08 am

I believe that there is an extra dimension to "nerd" you are overlooking and it is related to some basic social skills or awareness that these exist, due to preoccupation with gaming and the scientific arts or possibly just escape from this fact that they are not "cool" or know how to interact with the other people.

**Posts:** 4 · by **azariy** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 2:20 pm

Lost1023 wrote:One stereotype I heard about what people would call as 'socially awkward nerds' is that 'nerds' like these two separate and different groups of interests.

The first group of interest is the STEM academics group. They are generally a group of very mentally difficult academics that 'nerds' are known to have great expertise on. They are:

1. Science
2. Engineering
3. Technology
4. Mathematics

The second group of interest that 'nerds' are known for being passionate consumers of are these specific forms of entertainment. They are:

1. Video games
2. Animation
3. Comics
4. Table top games
5. Fantasy genre
6. Science Fiction genre
7. Action genre
8. Superhero genre
9. Horror genre
10. Violent thriller genre

Now I am wondering if this is true. How come that 'nerds' are great practitioners of STEM academics but are also passionate consumers of the group of entertainment forms that I mentioned such as video games, comics, cartoons, etc.?

The reason why I am wondering is because the group of entertainment forms that I mentioned such as video games, comics, cartoons, etc. are often widely known to impair one's expertise and learning in Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Engineering. For example, letting your addiction to video games, anime, fantasy, etc. consume your life will eventually make you develop a slacker habit and impair your ability and focus on learning Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology.

Is this stereotype of 'nerds' true? Does this 'nerd' archetype even exist in real life? Or could it be that the socially awkward one who is a genius in Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Engineering is actually a completely separate and completely different person from the socially awkward one who is a passionate addicted consumer of video games, comics, science fiction, fantasy, anime, etc.?

What do you think? What is the psychology behind this? How do the so called 'socially awkward nerds' function psychologically? I am wondering cause I am not what people would stereotype as a 'socially awkward nerd'. I am a normal track and field athlete who has many friends. I am bad at Math and have zero interest in video games, anime, comics, etc. Don't get me wrong. I am not judging people who are 'nerds'. I am just curious. Please help me.

I think it's more a stereotype rather than truth

**Posts:** 41697 · by **desperate788** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:11 am

OptimalHappiness wrote:I believe that there is an extra dimension to "nerd" you are overlooking and it is related to some basic social skills or awareness that these exist, due to preoccupation with gaming and the scientific arts or possibly just escape from this fact that they are not "cool" or know how to interact with the other people.

Whats up OH?

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