com·put·er·ing | / kəm-ˈpyü-tə-riŋ /

noun

Definition of computering

1: the ritualistic practice of occupying a laptop-equipped station in a café, coworking facility, or similar public venue while engaging in ostensibly productive digital activities

2: a form of cargo cult behavior characterized by the faithful reproduction of professional computing environments without necessarily possessing coherent objectives or methodological frameworks

3: the performative act of appearing professionally engaged through the deployment of technological apparatus and accompanying behaviors (typing, clicking, message verification) irrespective of actual productive output

4: a cultural practice intrinsic to digital nomadism and location-independent work arrangements, particularly concentrated in remote destinations favored by freelance practitioners and entrepreneurial aspirants

Etymology

Early 21st century (circa 2003): blend of computer and the suffix -ing, suggesting ongoing activity; conceptually related to cargo cult practices wherein superficial behaviors are adopted in expectation of desired outcomes. Initially observed concurrent with widespread WiFi deployment and the emergence of laptop-centric work practices in urban café environments.

Usage

Predominantly manifested within the digital nomad ecosystem across remote locations including Bali, Thailand, Mexico, and similar destinations where location-independent professionals congregate. Computering practitioners establish temporary workstations equipped with laptops, noise-canceling headphones, and caffeinated beverages while engaging in characteristic behaviors.

The phenomenon encompasses legitimate productive digital work alongside pseudo-productive activities that simulate professional engagement. Practitioners frequently alternate between actual tasks and aimless browsing, email monitoring, or social media consumption while maintaining external appearances of focused concentration. Casual networking emerges as a secondary function, with practitioners engaging in spontaneous professional connections and informal knowledge exchange within these shared environments.

A significant component involves classic bikeshedding discussions concerning optimal equipment configurations, biohacking methodologies, nootropic supplementation protocols, and various cognitive enhancement strategies. These conversations often consume disproportionate attention relative to their practical utility, exemplifying Parkinson’s Law of Triviality wherein peripheral concerns receive excessive focus while core productive activities remain neglected. This behavior pattern overlaps significantly with cyberloafing research, where ostensible work activities mask non-productive internet consumption.

Computering represents a contemporary manifestation of presenteeism adapted to the gig economy and remote workparadigms, where visual signifiers of productivity often supersede measurable output metrics within distributed professional networks.

Examples

  • After graduating, Marcus spent most afternoons computering at the Mission District coffee shop, alternating between job applications and YouTube videos while maintaining an air of entrepreneurial intensity.
  • The Kreuzberg coworking space buzzed with the ambient sounds of computering. Keyboards clicked rhythmically to binaural beats, subtly mixed with personal productivity optimized playlists.

computerer noun : one who engages in computering

computeringly adverb : in a manner characteristic of computering

computering session noun phrase : a discrete period of computering activity, typically bounded by arrival and departure from a designated workspace

First Known Use: circa 2003