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> Programming, and computer science, is inherently about information. And because information as it relates to the young is so valuable (think about how TV show

> Programming, and computer science, is inherently about information. And because information as it relates to the young is so valuable (think about how TV shows value the 18 to 35 demographic is), it's not surprising that leaders in the work of programming can skew young. Is it possible this is more apparent because the industry is so young compared to the other professions? Historically most programmers have gone into other industries or management, however with more programmers today in their 30's than ever before isn't it possible that the average age of our profession increases? Perhaps it's just because I know lots of entrepreneurs that are much older, in their 40's - 60's that consume massive amounts of new information and enjoy doing so that I don't fully agree with your statement. And about Facebook, I am sure there were lots of other social networks being formed around the world by young people that feel over too. I am not sure that is such a old vs new thing.

danso 10y ago
I don't doubt that there are more older people who consume information; in fact I would expect that given the overall aging of our population combined with the increasing ubiquity of computing devices. But I do think that younger folk have more impetus, or at least more idle time, and more naivety, and ignorance combined with optimism can spark invention. I don't think I'm super old, but I did not expect Airbnb to be so successful, given how much Craigslist changed my life (and for free). And I understand why Twitter and Facebook are successful even though I grew up with blogs and Myspace...but it took me a long time to understand the appeal of Snapchat. The abstractnrss of computer science is also a factor. You can practice and pivot with little direct cost or consequence. Whereas with civil engineering, there's only so much leeway for fun experimentation with structural principles before you end up killing someone.

danso 10y ago

I don't doubt that there are more older people who consume information; in fact I would expect that given the overall aging of our population combined with the increasing ubiquity of computing devices. But I do think that younger folk have more impetus, or at least more idle time, and more naivety, and ignorance combined with optimism can spark invention. I don't think I'm super old, but I did not expect Airbnb to be so successful, given how much Craigslist changed my life (and for free). And I understand why Twitter and Facebook are successful even though I grew up with blogs and Myspace...but it took me a long time to understand the appeal of Snapchat. The abstractnrss of computer science is also a factor. You can practice and pivot with little direct cost or consequence. Whereas with civil engineering, there's only so much leeway for fun experimentation with structural principles before you end up killing someone.