Nerds are 'straight-up hot' and should not feel insulted by the tag, according to a new survey. While the word was once seen as a slur it is now viewed as a compliment. Nerds are in demand on modern dating sites where brains are the new brawn.
Poll findings on nerd appeal
A poll of 1,000 adults by knowledge learning app Nibble found 83% viewed being labelled with the word as a compliment. While 58% think displaying knowledge of geeky subjects like history or science on a date is 'straight-up hot'.
The survey identified a new phenomenon known as the 'nerd flex' where 'knowledge currently reads as status'. Of those quizzed 60% said they found a partner more attractive if they know about history.
Faking knowledge to impress
While 95% said they would happily date someone much smarter than themselves. The development has already sparked a new trend with folk faking being brighter than they are in order to win over a date.
Over a third of those quizzed admitted using AI to look up a historical fact just to impress someone. One in five have memorised history or science specifically to impress a date.
Expert warning on AI-assisted dating
But boffins - a word also viewed as complimentary - say learning individual facts from a bot will only get folk so far and their lack of real knowledge will usually quickly be exposed.
Sarah Stewart, learning behaviour expert at Nibble, said: "As it has become a status symbol AI has sprung upon us and made everyone an expert.
"This creates an interesting paradigm where anyone can talk on a topic at an expert level as long as they're given forewarning.
"But when asked about something they didn't have AI prepare them for they fall flat.
"This has only further exaggerated the appeal of true intelligence because it makes them a diamond in the rough.
"When intelligence is rented through tokens by the general population, the ones that can think for themselves are the true winners."
