Computer geek
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A “Geek” is somebody who is passionate to the point of obsession about a specific interest. Originally, it was a rather derogatory term, but more recently has become the name given to a whole community of fanatics. Also related: nerd, otaku, hardcore gamer...
Computer Geeks
"Computer geek" is the most commonly known derivative of the term "geek", meaning those who cannot live without their computers. The phrase was rather offensive when originally coined, it is now quite neutral. The computer is the foundation of the computer geek, the Internet being the centre of his or her life. The geek cannot cope with any situation without Google, AltaVista or eMule. The geek is a computer addict, and loves everything that can be related to the computer. Daily, the geek will consult dozens of sites dealing with news about computer sciences, and will be registered on a huge number of forums, etc. The geek can sort out nearly every problem with their computer. At the university, the computer geek is very advanced in the use of the computer, compared to fellow students. Not antisocial, but because of this “monomania”, the geek's social life is quite limited.
The Geek's Dilemma
The life of a computer geek is divided in two parts:
“On-line life”, where he is referred to by his username, and where he is known through the image he chooses for his avatar (in the forums), or with the character he creates for online Role Playing Games...
… and “Real Life”, or IRL (in real life). Both of them can meet, during the "IRL meetings". Most of the time, these facets of the same person are very different. On-line life is the chance for many teenagers who are not self-confident to emulate their idols, though, they risk creating a new personality, very different from their original one, far removed from “Real Life”. The danger is the effect of “on-line life” on “real life”. A geek might rely on the personality he developed on the internet, and forget who or what he is in “real” life. Thus we can find some cases of serious alienation, of complete affinity with the computer, and then, the geek becomes a “nerd” or a "no-life", that is to say a completely virtual person, with little semblance with his/her original social or “real” life, content only with keyboard and mouse.
The Geek Language: L337
Leet is not in fact a language, it is a new form of alphabet. Leet (or 1337) is derived from the word "Elite". It works using typographical similarities. Like so:- A = 4 E = 3 I= 1 O= 0 S= 5 T= 7 B= 8
The other letters can be typed in a more specific way, which cannot be read by an “Outsider”:-
K = |< L= |_ J= _| M= |\/| etc.
It has quite a negative connotation, and is used mostly by “Nerds”.
The "Geek Syndrome"
On December 9th 2001, an article by Steve Silberman in Wired: The Geek Syndrome announced a high occurrence of autism and Asperger Syndrome amongst the children of computer scientists in Silicon Valley (USA). The article had a great impact in the world of research in psychiatry.
Are you a Geek?
Check out! the geek test!