Why typically is the Sci-Fi genre something that most computer geeks enjoy? I mean, most people think "Computer geek, well he/she likes Star Trek, blah blah"
Now I am a computer geek and I do love Star Trek, and just about anything Sci-Fi so I hide behind nothing. But what is it in that genre that attracts us computer nerds?
There are many potential answers to this. Here are a couple of broad and generalised ones.
The stereotypical Answer:
'Geeks' are often portrayed as socially inept, physically inferior and have a higher/ differing intellect which tends to alienate them from mainstream society.
In other words, they don't feel as if they belong anywhere else.
SCI-FI is an escape into worlds where they feel they would be more suited (and gain a sense of belonging) due to their 'unique' properties.
The heroes in SCI-FI are generally not your usual 'intellectually challenged muscle bound jocks' (the antithesis to the stereotypical geek).
The main / respected 'heroes' are generally characters who posses both high intellect as well as a modicum of physical prowess. The emphasis usually being on a higher intellect.
In that regard, SCI-FI is an opiate, as it alleviates the sense of isolation. It also functions as an aspirational tool. SCI-FI has has inspired many devices which are now common place today.
Plus, It also gives hope that one day, the 'non-jock' can score a smoking hot babe
Imagination:
SCI-FI fuels the imagination.
For those who are not content to merely accept the status quo derived from others conclusions, SCI-FI invites and encourages the viewer/reader to ponder and question the big "What if / Why" questions for themselves.
Put simply, it stimulates the mind into questioning currently accepted beliefs that may or may not be satisfactory for them.
For some, a solace to niggling questions can be satisfactorily answered - while for others it presents more questions than answers, yet the continual questioning can be as equally enjoyable as it is frustrating.
Alternative Method of Observing Humanity:
One prevalent theme throughout the vast majority of SCI-FI is one of portraying the wide gamut of the human condition under various guises.
This is one method of taking a 'step back' to look at ourselves as a whole.
For example; often various religions, peoples behaviors, customs or beliefs are portrayed by 'alien species / factions'.
This allows the viewer/reader to disassociate from the actual subject and re-evaluate their own understanding or tolerance from a 'distance'.
From this we can either adjust, or reinforce our prejudices and mindsets.
It's Better Than Some Other Crap On The TV:
With some shows, you can feel your IQ lowering as you watch them. Unless it's particularly bad SCI-FI, this IQ lowering feeling is exempt.
It's also worth noting that the enjoyment of SCI-FI is not solely the domain of Computer users / Geeks.
However, SCI-FI contains a lot sub-text throughout series / main story arcs.
Some of the more intellectually questioning of us do enjoy identifying or 'attempting to interpret' the sub-texts instead of just being 'entertained'.
