[Consultant32452]

While it may have improved I feel like it's still quite low. Outside of the valley and a few other key cities we're still largely considered anti-social dweebs who can't talk to women, have regressive sexist ideologies, are pedantic assholes, etc.

[roymurdock]

The image of the computer scientist/programmer/data scientist is changing pretty rapidly within the younger generation. STEM degrees garner a lot of respect, especially CS degrees, because everyone has suddenly become obsessed with "intelligence" as an indicator of future success and wealth, to the detriment of professionalism and altruism.

Programming is now cool and desirable - you can see the shifts everywhere in pop culture. Being a nerd or a geek is a badge of pride for many.

[jazzyk]

Perhaps it is cool - but it is still not a popular major to study. Very, very few of my kids' friends in high school picked a STEM major, even fewer CS. Top 10 high school in Massachusetts (which is No. 1 in the US)

[kelukelugames]

And the influx of MBAs and tech-related MBA programs!

[kelukelugames]

I agree. "Silicon Valley" is a step up from "Big Bang Theory", but we don't have a primetime show like "Grey's Anatomy" or "The Good Wife."

[Consultant32452]

I'm curious how you feel about characters like Abby from CSI or Felicity Smoak on Arrow compared to their male counterparts like Cisco on The Flash.

[pm90]

Honest question, what exactly do you mean by your statement? Is it that, when you meet a stranger and tell them your profession, they judge you that way?

[Consultant32452]

Definitely. I've heard several women friends of mine say they usually avoid dating men in IT. I've also personally gone on a date with a woman who said she was pleasantly surprised I could actually hold a conversation with her. I've heard terms like "engineer autism" to refer to the quirky social awkwardness that is associated with men in IT.