Let me try to extend on my comment a bit. I think going through the nerd experience when growing up does equip you with a certain moral compass that is quite us

Let me try to extend on my comment a bit. I think going through the nerd experience when growing up does equip you with a certain moral compass that is quite useful in interactions such as the ones described in the article, but also for our digital age in particular. First, you are much more empathetic (especially towards ostracized people or those shunned for nerd interests) because you know what suffering feels like, and can relate to people who are suffering. Your alarm bells will ring when there are signs of irrational decisions driven by group think. Hackers are very aware of the meaning behind principles like „don’t shoot the messenger“. Second, your interests have shown you both utopian (Star Trek) and dystopian (1984, Blade Runner) outcomes of society, and you have discussed these possibilities in online forums or with your nerd circle (of all creatures) for nights. These patterns studied in depth are difficult to ignore and not speak up about when your company makes decisions that lead either way. I‘d hang out and nerd around about the latest fringe obsessions with the slightly overweight guy who behaves a bit clumsily around women due to insecurity (not because he is outright sexist), but is generally reflected and tries not to do harm at any time. I’ve got a strong aversion against the borderline bullying and cocky „tech bro“ who just wants money and the privilege to control anyone he wants (including girls), never daydreamed about tech utopias, and doesn’t consider the implications of his actions (on a personal or on a societal level) in the slightest. This is likely an unconscious pattern learned in the hard way when growing up. I can’t explain some things I’m seeing in tech by anything but that those who did not live through the nerd experience bullied their way into taking over control.