Geeks, Fandoms, and Social Engagement.

The Internet changed the way the global community interacts and communicates. This cultural shift allows like-minded individuals to connect and share ideas. It creates spaces for stigmatized communities to gather in a virtual presence. Youth now have greater options to explore identity, and to reach peers with niche interests. From a clinical perspective, it is helpful to understand the nature of communities our patients join on the Internet. This article focuses on the broad umbrella of "geek" culture, exploring a variety of interests such as cosplay, fanfiction, and gaming.