Are computer "geeks" generally more depressed/unhappy/cynical than "average?"

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

Polish3d

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2005
5,500
0
0
Originally posted by: LostWanderer
Originally posted by: Frackal
It seems to me that the level of cynicism and bitterness on these forums is extremely high compared to other (different) hobbiest forums I've visited.

Thoughts?

(unleash the sarcasm)

You have a hobby other than computers?!? Do tell of this strange custom, I'm honestly intrigued. What is it and where can I get one?

(Not joking, I"m serious)


I bodybuild as a hobby, I'm pretty successful with that, 6' 220lbs ~ 8%bf... I read, date, go to school... computers I love more than most other things though, admittedly. I am aroused by fast and top end hardware
 

The Batt?sai

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2005
5,170
1
0
i wouldn't say they are more depressed than average. just that there are alot of varying viewpoints that come together quickly that would not be possible without the communication and technology of the internet.
 

Saint Nick

Lifer
Jan 21, 2005
17,722
6
81
I agree with SofaMoka. The more that people know, the more depressed or sad they are. I think that the social classes of "geeks" and "nerds" pay more attention to detail. And like he said as well, ignorance is bliss.

And personally, my life is generally the same week to week. I go through periods of unhappiness then through periods of happiness. Its weird, but I simply accept it as part of my life.
 

UncleWai

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2001
5,701
68
91
I am the typical atoter, 20ish, male, without a gf, having too much free time. When I come here to waste time, of course I am a little bitter and a little angry at the world. When you have a bunch of people like this in an anonymous (compare to the real world) posting forum, you bound to have some smart ass bitter comments.
 

HamburgerBoy

Lifer
Apr 12, 2004
27,111
318
126
Depressed? No, or at least, they hide it on the forums. Angry/paranoid/anti-social? Hell yes, and proud of it.
 

OdiN

Banned
Mar 1, 2000
16,430
3
0
Originally posted by: HamburgerBoy
Depressed? No, or at least, they hide it on the forums. Angry/paranoid/anti-social? Hell yes, and proud of it.

Obviously.
 

CKent

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
9,020
0
0
Originally posted by: HamburgerBoy
Depressed? No, or at least, they hide it on the forums. Angry/paranoid/anti-social? Hell yes, and proud of it.

I suffer from severe chronic depression and resulting insomnia. Which explains why I'm posting after 4am. I ain't got nothin' to hide :)
 

Ricemarine

Lifer
Sep 10, 2004
10,507
0
0
Those who post on xangas are more depressed/unhappy/cynical...

Cmon, even the names are horrible.

UglyDarkness
SwallowedCinderella

WTH.
 

tweakmm

Lifer
May 28, 2001
18,436
4
0
Since when is cynicism grouped together with depressed and unhappy?
I'm extremely cynical but also extremely happy and extremely not depressed.

I love life, and my cynical outlook is part of that reason.
 

1sikbITCH

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
4,194
574
126
Originally posted by: tweakmm
Since when is cynicism grouped together with depressed and unhappy?
I'm extremely cynical but also extremely happy and extremely not depressed.

I love life, and my cynical outlook is part of that reason.

I'll cop to that. I know the world is fvcked and I really just don't care :)

 

Evadman

Administrator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Feb 18, 2001
30,990
5
81
I am most certainly more cynical than average.
 

tweakmm

Lifer
May 28, 2001
18,436
4
0
Originally posted by: 1sikbITCH
Originally posted by: tweakmm
Since when is cynicism grouped together with depressed and unhappy?
I'm extremely cynical but also extremely happy and extremely not depressed.

I love life, and my cynical outlook is part of that reason.

I'll cop to that. I know the world is fvcked and I really just don't care :)
Part of the beauty is the ugliness.
 

TheShiz

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
3,846
0
0
you can't compare a specialized forum with an "off topic" one

people come to off topic to post nonsense. people go to a specific forum looking for specific information, and they usually share some common ground.

try comparing the processor forum with other forums and I think you'll see that they are about the same. OT is a different kind of monster.
 

Quasmo

Diamond Member
Jul 7, 2004
9,630
1
76
I saw a video of some dude masturbating to WoW, if that doesn't tell you something, I don't know what will.
 

HamburgerBoy

Lifer
Apr 12, 2004
27,111
318
126
Originally posted by: Quasmo
I saw a video of some dude masturbating to WoW, if that doesn't tell you something, I don't know what will.

It tells me that geeks like to watch men fap.