Why do people always think I'm hacking when they see a terminal on my screen?

Hollywood.

Ignorant idiots

Obviously you're a pro hacker who likes causing mayhem! /s

As someone said above. Ignorant.

bayes theorem

I feel ya.
Wow, I suddenly feel empathetic.
I forgot that I HAD feelings.
Ugh, they dirty the purity of my thought.

well it's a question of definition..

if you ever use hardware or software in ways not originally intended then your basically a hacker based on one definition of the word.

because your doing hacks...

I prefer the word cracker for those who do illegal hacks as it accentuates the more destructive aspects suggesting more criminal intent...

Why would you open terminal if not for hacking?