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A recent study has unveiled the top 20 indicators of being a geek, with activities ranging from creating spreadsheets for personal projects to binge-watching behind-the-scenes documentaries.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that nearly half (46%) confess to being a geek in at least one aspect of their life, despite 56% stating they never desired the label during their school years. Now, 69% believe that being “healthily obsessed” with certain interests actually makes people more interesting.
The study was commissioned by TLC to celebrate the channel’s free-to-air launch, introducing flagship programmes like the science-based sitcom The Big Bang Theory, and its spin-off Young Sheldon to the channel.
A spokesperson for the channel said: “When you look at the definition of the word ‘Geek’… ‘a person who is knowledgeable about and obsessively interested in a particular subject, especially one that is technical or of specialist or niche interest’, then these are characteristics I think we can all identify with in some way shape or form.”
Almost one in five say they’re the geeky one in their friendship group. What’s more, half of all adults think ‘geek culture’ has gone mainstream in the last decade, and over a third now say it’s cool to be a geek.
How much of a geek are you? Take this quiz to find out
TV has played a big part in changing perceptions as 63% say shows and the media have influenced how geeks are seen.
Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory tops the list of TV’s greatest geeks, followed by Spock from Star Trek and Lisa Simpson.
Nearly one in five (18%) say they often relate to these characters, thanks to their passion for hobbies, relatable flaws, and ability to balance quirky interests with everyday life.
Six in ten agree that seeing geeky characters on TV is a great way to celebrate individuality, and two-thirds think anyone who’s a geek should be proud of it.
The spokesperson added: “TV is a powerful medium and it is important that everyone can see themselves in the characters that share and their own quirks and passions.”
TOP 20 GEEKY THINGS PEOPLE DO:
- Comparing specs before buying any gadget
- Watching behind-the-scenes documentaries
- Keeping tabs open on your computer just in case
- Keeping old tech just because it’s nostalgic
- Keeping spreadsheets for personal projects
- Watching YouTube tutorials just for fun
- Memorising lines from your favourite films
- Having favourite fonts for documents
- Memorising theme tunes from old TV shows
- Learning obscure trivia for fun
- Organising books by genre, author, and colour
- Creating detailed wish lists for future purchases
- Colour-coding your calendar or planner
- Creating playlists for every mood or occasion
- Watching movie trailers multiple times before a film or TV series release
- Collecting quirky mugs or novelty items
- Keeping a log of films you’ve watched
- Reading fan theories online
- Keeping score during game shows at home
- Using keyboard shortcuts for everything
