In 2012, one out of every five minutes that was spent online by users was spent using social networking sites. A professional social networking website may be the right place to find science answers from professionals and students of the field, and one of the best outcomes of the rise of social networking as a whole. The number of those who work in the SandE field has grown from 182,000 in 1950 to 5.4 million in 2009, and those professionals need a great source for science answers and important news. Professional social websites provide the meeting place for great minds and great questions, which is why there are now so many users who are looking toward alternatives to traditional social networking in favor of websites which cater specifically to their profession or their interests.

American astronomer Cecilia Payne Caposchkin discovered that stars were mainly composed of hydrogen and helium, and established that stars could be feasibly classified based on their temperature. In doing so, she created a brand new system through which the understanding of celestial bodies could be established. In her time, finding science answers meant going to books, courses, or to professors directly. In the modern era of science, going to scholarly journals online and reading about scientific research articles is possible for both science students and those who are interested in pursuing careers in the field. Great science answers are not only vetted by others who are professionals in the science community, but they are also cited by journals which are linked through a social network for IT professionals and other career paths related to science and engineering. Professional networks can assist in creating real life connections, particularly for organizing science events and other get togethers.

Social networking and professional social websites have made it possible to share videos, links, information, files, photos, and chat with others who may hold the science answers that some are searching for. For many new students and older scientists, these networks are increasing the range at which one can learn or broadcast important science answers that the world is talking about. For others, new science news is just a click away, and can be easily shared with other professionals who may want to discuss or debate the ideas that the news article covers. For professionals who love science, the new speed of communication is proving to be invaluable.