Communications of the ACM
Geek Chic: 'Brogrammer?' Now, That's Hot
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The image of the geeky techie is fading in real life, thanks to the legacy of industry giants such as Apple founder Steve Jobs and the increasing dependence of more Americans on the skills of those who know how electronic devices work.
"There's been a shift in the portrayal," says Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researcher Sherry Turkle. "We're dependent on these people, so there's a power shift, a new kind of respect."
Many universities have started "charm schools" that train computer science students in social etiquette. Some of the most sought-after advice is body language and dining tips when meeting with potential employers. National etiquette expert Diane Gottsman runs workshops at universities such as Baylor, Rice, and Texas A&M. "There's a wait list to get in," Gottsman notes. "In the technology field, they're great with tech but their social skills need help."
Other schools, such as MIT and the University of Illinois, also have workshops to help students become more socially aware. The rising status of techies is perhaps most obvious at Apple stores, where the employees are known as “geniuses.”
From USA Today
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