The classic Geek/Nerd tope has to do with Escapism, because the view is that the Nerds life is so pathetic and repugnant that he can't simply go out and have a good time with a girl, or chat with his friends, he must delve into a world that is completely and utterly non-existent as that is his best possible alternative to dealing with a harsh reality that does not appreciate his faggoty existence. This is why the nerd does not read historical fiction, he reads fantasy. This is why he doesn't necessarily keep up on developments in physics and space travel, but always knows what planet the new Star Wars movie takes place on. This nerd has no hope in this reality.