That's one of the first things I noticed when I moved to the US. Not sure if it's specific to the US or maybe just the Bay Area or even just a sign of the times, but it seems like it's impossible for people to "kind of like" something. They immediately have to be really into something, be it beer, cycling, photography, to the point where it becomes their entire identity. It doesn't bother me too much. I'm still happy just enjoying craft beers without memorizing different hop strains, but it's definitely a little odd.