By: Mary Gramer, Social Media Marketing Intern

In previous decades, nerds in pop culture were the subjects of humor and ridicule. Have you noticed the change over the past couple years? In rise with popular shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and The Big Bang Theory, nerds have become the new definition of cool! Ever wonder why that is? We have some theories.

1. Salary

Flickr Creative Commons: Ilmicrofono Oggiono

According to Bls.gov, the list of the 20 highest paying jobs in 2012 includes physicians, anesthesiologists, petroleum engineers, and computer information systems managers. These are not jobs that can be done by your average Joe. They require natural intelligence and intensive schooling. While being smart is generally considered a nerdy trait, it’s a trait that brings in the money, and having money definitely isn’t nerdy.

2. Community

Flickr Creative Commons: Charles Fettinger

Some of the largest communities are made up by nerds. For example, in 2014, over 130,000 people flocked to San Diego in costume to attend Comic-Con (Comic-con.org). If you want to feel like you belong to a group, being nerdy is the way to do it, and the options are endless.

3. Practicality

Flickr Creative Commons: Ernie

Have you noticed the sea of fanny pack-adorned girl during spring break in the last couple years? Or the increase people wearing converse shoes? Nerdy fashion trends from past decades are coming back, and in a cool way! Fanny packs allow a hands-free and safe way to carry all your belongings, while converse shoes are comfortable and good for walking. There is a reason these historically nerdy trends are coming back.

4. Technology

Flickr Creative Commons: Olga

Gadgets used to be an accessory for geeks. Now, they are a necessity for everyone. It even has  become cool to own as many gadgets as humanly possible.

Why do you think that being a nerd has become the new cool? Let us know in the comments!

All photos used under this license.