Even if they aren't right now, how many non-geeks get their information on stuff like this to a certain degree from that token geek friend (aka their "tech supp

Even if they aren't right now, how many non-geeks get their information on stuff like this to a certain degree from that token geek friend (aka their "tech support" or the like)? After all if you hear from someone you trust that you feel is "more in the know" about something than you feel you could ever hope to be, and their opinion can shape it.