The Triumph of the Geek: The Evolution of Tech-Obsessed Nerds Through Time

"I am a geek" hasn't always been something to proclaim proudly. No matter: Thanks to smartphones, Facebook and other must-have tech, we reign supreme today.

By Thomas Wailgum

No so long ago, the computer geek (origin: Dorkus IBM-us) was confined to the back rooms and basements of companies everywhere. White dress shirts (sleeves optional), thin black ties and horn-rimmed glasses were standard issue. Mainstream social acceptance? Not so much.

Over each succeeding decade, however, geeks have crept out of their shells, changed their look and gained more acceptance in business and in society. The results of which can be seen today: Geeks and their much-loved tech have thoroughly invaded the mainstream.

Let's take a tour through the ages, shall we?
Image credits: (left to right) Windowtowallstree.com; Getty Images (2)