I hazard a guess that the author is somewhat atypical for an 80s girl. She certainly seemed to be comfortable with a lot of activities that would draw scorn and condemnation from the popular kids in the 80s. Not giving in to peer pressure is very hard for teenagers. I don't know for certain, but I suspect it's even harder for girls than boys. Boys seem more willing to go it alone if they have to.

This is mostly from my own life experience as a computer nerd during the late 80s and early 90s. You get shunned by anybody even remotely popular. This is really tough during middle school since you become bully bait but perseverance pays off in the end. In some ways I had it easier since I lived in a neighborhood that had no kids my age (or within 3 year of my age), so being a loner and an outcast wasn't a new situation.