While conducting research into the experiences of gifted and talented students, the author noted that an obvious part of their experiences was reflected in the stereotypes used in society to describe them--"nerd" and "geek." These terms had negative ramifications in the gifted students' perceptions: nerds were considered as socially inadequate, shy or overbearing, and too smart; geeks were thought to be socially inadequate and too focused in academic or technical endeavors. Today's teens have grown up immersed in technology and have even developed a passion for it. This has not only improved children's learning experiences, but also had a dramatic effect on the term "geek." Geeks are now viewed as experts in technological fields and their experience is sought by others. The term "nerd" has become rather neutral--gifted children today see being a nerd as a choice, not a state of being. The evolution in these two stereotypes suggests that there is a growing awareness of the importance of competence in our society, representing society's movement from a manufacturing base to an information age. The author contends that today's gifted and talented students are now less likely to feel like outcasts due to the growing awareness that being a nerd or geek could actually have a positive outcome.