The Art of Computer Science | Joe Karlsson | TEDxYouth@LakeManalapan

Summary

In this TED Talk, Joe Carlson shares his unique journey into tech, highlighting how he transitioned from studying physics and sociology to discovering his passion for programming. Emphasizing that success in tech doesn't require being a prodigy, he encourages viewers to find their own joy in coding, whether through art, comedy, or community. With a focus on creating inclusive spaces, Carlson stresses the importance of finding or building supportive networks in the tech world. His message is simple: code for fun, find your community, and embrace the process of learning and growing in tech.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace non-traditional journeys: Not everyone becomes a tech expert from a young age. You don't have to be a prodigy to succeed in tech.
• 😀 Community matters: Finding or creating a community of people who share your interests is key to enjoying programming and growing in the field.
• 😀 Acknowledge privilege: Recognize your privileges, and understand that not everyone in the tech world shares the same experiences.
• 😀 Tech is for everyone: Despite being a cis white man in tech, the speaker aims to inspire others, regardless of their identity, to succeed in the field.
• 😀 Overcoming fear in tech: Fear of not finding a job led the speaker to computer science, showing that even fear-driven decisions can lead to growth.
• 😀 Importance of experimentation: The speaker found joy in programming through art and dumb, fun projects, highlighting the value of creativity and play in tech.
• 😀 Hackathons can foster community: Participating in or organizing hackathons is a great way to build projects, collaborate, and develop a sense of belonging.
• 😀 Art and tech are deeply connected: Computers and the internet offer an artistic medium for creativity, and exploring this space is vital for the future of tech.
• 😀 Don't let shame hold you back: It's okay to start programming without a deep passion; your journey will evolve as you grow.
• 😀 Find joy through purpose: Whether it’s creating art or building something fun, finding what you love about programming will help you stay motivated for the long term.

Q & A

What does Joe Carlson want to challenge in typical tech talks?

Joe Carlson aims to challenge the idea that you need to be a genius or a prodigy from a young age to succeed in tech. He believes this narrative is discouraging and harmful, as it overlooks the diverse and varied paths people take to succeed.

What does Joe say about his journey into tech?

Joe shares that he didn’t start in tech with passion. He entered computer science out of fear of not finding a job after graduation, and it took him six to seven years to truly fall in love with programming.

How does Joe acknowledge his privilege in the tech industry?

Joe openly acknowledges that, as a cis white male, he has significant privilege in the tech industry. He wants to make it clear that although his experiences may differ from others, success in tech is attainable for everyone, regardless of background.

What impact did Joe's time in Honolulu have on his perspective on programming?

In Honolulu, Joe found himself spending more time programming than he anticipated, despite moving there with the intent of becoming a surf bum. Through connecting with the local surfer-hacker-punk community, he discovered the joy of building projects that he actually cared about.

Why does Joe believe that the internet and computers are an artistic medium?

Joe believes that computers and the internet represent the artistic medium of our generation because they allow for innovative, collaborative, and massively scalable projects. He sees the internet as an essential tool for expressing creativity in ways that previous generations did not have access to.

What role does humor play in Joe’s approach to tech?

Humor plays a significant role in Joe’s approach to tech. He enjoys working on projects that balance between being absurd and genius, particularly creating fun and ridiculous projects that push the boundaries of what tech can do in unexpected ways.

What is the 'Stupid Terrible Ideas Hackathon' that Joe co-organized?

The 'Stupid Terrible Ideas Hackathon' is an event where Joe and others gathered to build projects that had no purpose or practical outcome, just for fun. The goal was to foster creativity and collaboration without worrying about producing something useful or valuable, emphasizing the joy of making things with friends.

How does Joe describe his project with his sister, Laurel?

Joe and his sister, Laurel, co-wrote a software program called Bechtel.io that analyzes movie scripts to determine if they pass the Bechtel test. The Bechtel test examines whether a film has two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man.

What advice does Joe give to others struggling to find joy in programming?

Joe advises people who are struggling to find joy in programming to find or create a community of people who share their interests. For him, the communities centered around art and tech were key to rediscovering his passion for programming.

What is Joe's stance on inclusivity in tech?

Joe stresses the importance of creating and finding safe, inclusive spaces in tech, especially for underrepresented groups. He encourages people to form communities that are welcoming and that provide a sense of belonging, as this is crucial for personal growth and success in the industry.