The term Tech Bro has become a part of the modern vernacular, often describing a particular subset of professionals in the technology sector. While the term is typically used in a lighthearted or critical manner, there’s a growing trend surrounding the idea of a “Tech Bro Purity Test.” This test supposedly evaluates how deeply ingrained someone is in tech culture, with points awarded for common attitudes, habits, and experiences that are typical of a tech bro. Let’s dive into what the Tech Bro Purity Test entails, what it says about tech culture, and why it’s gaining traction.
What is a Tech Bro?
Before we dissect the idea of a Tech Bro Purity Test, it’s essential to understand what a “tech bro” is.
Characteristics of a Tech Bro
A tech bro is often portrayed as a young male, typically in Silicon Valley or another tech hub, who works in technology, startups, or venture capital. While this label can be playful, it also carries stereotypes about arrogance, over-confidence, and an obsession with innovation at any cost. The “bro” element is key here—describing a certain frat-boy mentality that embraces competitive behavior, a focus on status, and often an interest in coding, venture capital, or disruptive technologies.
Why the Label Can Be Controversial
The term “tech bro” is not always complimentary. While it can simply refer to someone who is passionate about tech, it also carries connotations of exclusion and elitism. Tech bros are often criticized for creating or supporting a culture that sidelines women, people of color, or those without a tech background. The Tech Bro Purity Test is a tongue-in-cheek way to explore just how deep one is into this archetype.
The Origins of the Tech Bro Purity Test
The concept of purity tests isn’t new; they’ve been around in various forms, often as humorous quizzes that measure someone’s participation in a particular subculture. The Tech Bro Purity Test is no different—this quiz consists of a series of questions or statements that gauge how deeply someone has been indoctrinated into tech bro culture.
Structure of the Test
The Tech Bro Purity Test typically involves a range of statements that someone would answer with a simple “yes” or “no.” Questions can include things like:
- Have you attended a hackathon?
- Do you own a pair of Allbirds shoes?
- Have you ever skipped sleep to finish coding a project?
- Do you use cryptocurrencies or own an NFT?
- Have you ever used the phrase “disrupt the industry” seriously?
Each “yes” response earns the participant points, and the final score determines just how much of a tech bro they are.
Popularity and Spread
Although the Tech Bro Purity Test began as a meme within certain tech communities, it has since spread across the internet. It’s shared on social media platforms like Reddit and Twitter, where people in the tech industry (or those who just love the culture) take it for fun. The results, whether someone passes or fails, are often shared with friends or used as part of a larger joke about the tech industry.
The Tech Bro Lifestyle
Work Hard, Play Hard
The tech bro persona is often associated with a “work hard, play hard” mentality. Many tech professionals, especially those at startups, face long hours and immense pressure. At the same time, they might enjoy lavish perks like free meals, rooftop parties, and extensive travel opportunities. The Tech Bro Purity Test might ask whether the participant has ever spent 80 hours at the office in a week or if they’ve worked from a beach while claiming it as a “workcation.”
Obsession with Disruption
One of the defining characteristics of the tech bro is an obsession with “disruption”—the idea of breaking the mold and revolutionizing industries through technology. Whether it’s fintech, healthcare, or education, tech bros often believe their innovation will drastically reshape the world. The Tech Bro Purity Test is likely to include questions like, “Have you ever referred to your startup as a ‘disruptor’?” or “Do you have a plan to ‘change the world’ through tech?”
What the Tech Bro Purity Test Says About Tech Culture
While the Tech Bro Purity Test is meant to be humorous, it also reveals some truths about the tech industry.
The Exclusion of Outsiders
One critique of the tech bro culture, highlighted indirectly by the Tech Bro Purity Test, is its exclusionary nature. The industry’s competitive atmosphere can sometimes feel intimidating to outsiders, particularly women and people from non-technical backgrounds. The joke that you’re “not a true tech bro unless you’ve been to Burning Man” speaks to a culture of exclusivity that can alienate those who don’t fit the typical mold.
The Glamorization of Hustle Culture
The Tech Bro Purity Test also shines a light on hustle culture—the idea that the only way to succeed is through relentless work, often at the expense of personal life and mental health. Many tech bros wear this as a badge of honor, with statements in the test like, “Have you ever pulled three all-nighters in a row to meet a deadline?” However, this glorification of workaholism is increasingly being criticized for contributing to burnout and stress in the tech industry.
Tech for the Sake of Tech
Another trend captured by the Tech Bro Purity Test is the notion that many tech bros love tech for tech’s sake. This can be seen in questions about whether the participant has ever bought an unnecessary gadget or invested in obscure cryptocurrencies just because it’s “cool.” While innovation is important, critics argue that many tech bros are more interested in the status that comes with owning the latest technology than in solving real-world problems.
Should You Take the Tech Bro Purity Test?
So, is the Tech Bro Purity Test just for laughs, or does it serve a deeper purpose? In reality, it’s both. On one hand, the test is a fun way to poke fun at the quirks and stereotypes of tech culture. On the other hand, it also offers a chance for introspection.
Reflecting on Your Role in Tech Culture
For those working in tech, taking the Tech Bro Purity Test can be a lighthearted reminder to reflect on their attitudes and behaviors. Are you contributing to an inclusive, innovative environment, or are you reinforcing negative stereotypes? This test might not have all the answers, but it can open the door to more significant conversations about the tech industry’s culture.
Breaking the Mold
For those who don’t score highly on the Tech Bro Purity Test, don’t worry—you’re not missing out on much. In fact, not fitting into the “tech bro” stereotype can be seen as a positive in many circles. As the tech industry continues to evolve, there is increasing demand for diverse perspectives, not just from traditional tech bros but from people with varied backgrounds and experiences.
Conclusion
The Tech Bro Purity Test offers a humorous yet insightful look into the world of tech culture. It highlights the stereotypes associated with tech bros while also encouraging people to reflect on the culture they participate in. While taking the test is all in good fun, it also serves as a reminder of the industry’s potential for both inclusivity and exclusivity. Whether you pass or fail, it’s important to remember that tech is for everyone—not just the bros.
