Geeks have been talking to each other in digital spaces since Usenet launched in 1979. It makes sense. If you spend your day fighting with code or configuring servers, you naturally gravitate toward other people who speak your language. Forums and newsgroups were the original hubs. Now, those communities have evolved into full-blown social networks.
Take IT Toolbox. It’s a global network boasting over a million members. It follows the standard social media playbook. You build a profile. You list your experience. You upload a photo. You even start a blog if you’re so inclined.
The networking part is straightforward. You search for colleagues. You send connection requests. Those links show up on your profile. Simple.
But the real action isn’t in the connections list. It happens in the message boards.
IT Toolbox lets users form groups to debate the latest industry trends. You can post tips or ask questions on “knowledgebase” pages dedicated to specific topics like Java or networking. There’s also an open IT Wiki where members submit and edit articles. It’s a collaborative knowledge base, essentially.
Jobs are huge here. The tech sector is one of the fastest-growing parts of the US economy. Network systems analysts are the second fastest-growing job, trailing only home health aides. Employers know this. They don’t just post vacancies. They browse the networks to poach talent directly from competitors.
IT Toolbox isn’t the only player. There are other sites with fewer features but dedicated followings. Slashdot has been pulling in tech-savvy readers since 1997. Digg, a major social bookmarking site, leans heavily into tech news. These platforms serve as alternative gathering spots for the community.
Next, we look at social networks designed for adults.
