[Normal_gaussian]

My motivations are mainly a frustration over the lack of useful discussion and the propensity of people to lock themselves into certain discussional tropes. I'm also massively conflicted over the kinds of people I want to br working amongst; whilst Academics tend towards the childish the business class tends towards the immoral.

I'm actually surprised that its as low as 9.7%, though of course that is direct funding and won't account for losses from businesses and who move (large banks bankroll the local Uni) or reduce spending.

What is notable in the funding is a decidedly different attitude to dealing with the problem, though this may simply be that researchers can't do much to affect funding wheras business iwners can.

As for echo chambers specifically - it can be heart-wrenching to be amongst several groups. The previous Scottish referendum caused significant damage to my family relationships, and the brexit is doing the same to my friends. There are few people willing to consider they don't and can't know all the facts.