"Some studies have shown that as soon as girls turn 12—and maybe now it is even younger—they're so into their social image and being liked by boys that they dumb themselves down so not to be seen as a geek," Yusupova said."

I wonder if this has more to do with western high schools than our culture at large. I dropped out on my twelfth birthday. While I did encounter social pressure to move into more sanctioned roles, this was opposed by teachers encouraging me to find what I liked and do it well. I was very lucky -- this isn't something afforded to most high schoolers. It has helped me grow into these interests.