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The Geek Social Aptitude Test

Posted by Christopher Shea  February 6, 2009 10:12 AM
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I'm not ready to go so far as the editors of Gizmodo, who write about themselves and their readers: "We're all geeks here." Still, Brainiac readers -- especially those who get the superhero allusion right away -- may find useful the Geek Social Aptitude Test, or GSAT, posted this week on the tech-porn Web site. Among the questions:

-I own and wear t-shirts featuring the logos of computer/operating system manufacturers.
-On an average day more of my human interaction happens on message boards or in blog comments than with actual other people.
-I have ended real friendships over arguments about computer or product choices.
-I very seriously and passionately try to talk people into buying or switching to my OS/phone/product of choice.
-I have made a member of the opposite sex sit and watch me play video games for an hour or more.
-I play with my phone at restaurants.
-Almost all of my jokes are actually just catchphrases or references to The Simpsons, Family Guy, Borat, or any other popular comedic film or show.
-I own and wear a cowboy hat, Kangol hat, fedora and/or bowler.
-I am the dominant talker in most conversations I have.
-I own a sword, nunchucks and/or throwing stars.
-I'm an obsessive collector.
-I am really, really into my cat. Like, really.
-I have corrected someone's spelling or grammar on a message board or in blog comments.
-I've read all of the greatest novels ever published, all of which happen to be graphic novels.
-I vote for politicians based on their stance on net neutrality.
-I believe that it's the rest of the world that's awkward and I actually have everything pretty much figured out.

Naturally, a guide to evaluating your score is included.


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About brainiac What's happening in the world of ideas.
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Joshua Rothman is a graduate student and Teaching Fellow in the Harvard English department, and an Instructor in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He teaches novels and political writing.
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