Lack of empathy abounds in this profession. I am increasingly convinced lack of empathy is over-represented among developers. It's a controversial thought, and feel free to shoot it down. But the article posted here is just one of countless tales that have been posted here. Examples of abrasive behaviour in developer circles are too numerous to list (in real life and online).
There are many people in the computing field (alive and dead) with many accomplishments to their name but utter devoid of empathy and social skills. Despite that, many of these figures are idolised by other developers, or their behaviour tolerated.
It's not just a lack of empathy towards fellow developers, lack of empathy is even more marked when applied to "non-technical" users who are often patronisingly viewed as clueless idiots.
So yes, my anecdotal experience of developers (online and working in person with colleagues) is that lack of empathy towards other developers and users runs through this profession.
There are many people in the computing field (alive and dead) with many accomplishments to their name but utter devoid of empathy and social skills. Despite that, many of these figures are idolised by other developers, or their behaviour tolerated.
It's not just a lack of empathy towards fellow developers, lack of empathy is even more marked when applied to "non-technical" users who are often patronisingly viewed as clueless idiots.
So yes, my anecdotal experience of developers (online and working in person with colleagues) is that lack of empathy towards other developers and users runs through this profession.