Are videogames the most unifying part of nerd/geek society?

[Forlorn Drifter]

I just thought of this question recently, and I think that videogames might just be. There are other unifying parts of course- movies, comics, and certain forms of music are also largely parts of this- but it seems like everyone I know who is or would be labeled a geek or nerd is a video game fan.

I also do think, when one looks at the negative aspects of being in the social group, that it is a stereotype, an extension of the stereotypical kid in his basement playing Dungeons and Dragons.

[Erik_Twice]

To me there are three important pillars of modern geekdom.

1) Gaming
2) Anime/Manga
3) Discussion forums

The third one is, perhaps, the most defining trait. No other subculture has such a heavy internet presence and you could argue that the internet is nerdy in and on itself.

[Forlorn Drifter]

Actually, that is probably a good point. I didn't even take internet presence into account, and I do think that may be the more unifying part. When you take into consideration forum usage and the amount of websites dedicated to the nerd/geek culture, that would probably be the most unifying factor.

[J T]

To me there are three important pillars of modern geekdom.

1) Gaming
2) Anime/Manga
3) Discussion forums

The third one is, perhaps, the most defining trait. No other subculture has such a heavy internet presence and you could argue that the internet is nerdy in and on itself.

Nerdom pillars:

1.) Science & Academics
2.) Technological Sophistication
3.) Social Rejection

[KalessinDB]

Nerdom pillars:

1.) Science & Academics
2.) Technological Sophistication
3.) Social Rejection

Would've agreed with you 10-15 years ago. Now 3 is eroding at a ridiculous rate (look at all the geek chic out there) and 2 is dropping too -- the divide between the tech that the average geek has and the tech that the average grandma has is smaller than it's ever been, and dropping by the day. Really only the first pillar still stands I would say.

[Ack]

Geek =/= Nerd

[brunoafh]

My life revolves around gaming, anime/manga, academics, science, technology, and avoiding society... yet I find it hard to consider myself a nerd, and no one that has known me for an extended period of time would consider me a nerd either. Maybe it's because I look and dress like a lumberjack.

Anyway, if I understand OP's question properly, I agree that video games are the most unifying element of "nerd/geek society". In my experience it's just the easiest thing to talk about or refer to with fellow enthusiasts. In other words, I feel like among geeks/nerds of all breeds, if you polled them all on major interests, gaming would have the highest percentage. I don't think forum discussion would have a higher percentage, and I don't consider simply using the internet to be geeky.

[J T]

Real Nerd PSA

[Forlorn Drifter]

Geek =/= Nerd

Despite their definitions, they are used interchangeably and few know there is a difference.

I also disagree with the "pillars of nerdom" JT posted, as I know many, many people who I could call nerds or whom society would see as nerds who are not fans of Science and Academics. Most of the ones I know, myself included, are big on fantasy and such, which is arguably the direct opposite of those.

Social rejection and technology are falling out of the whole idea of being a nerd now seeing as how society is shifting.

[Xeogred]

Social rejection and technology are falling out of the whole idea of being a nerd now seeing as how society is shifting.

Which is ironic since I'm starting to finally figure out I actually like people but now the world is going the opposite route (digitally absorbed, etc).