[y0ned4]

As former physics student, a lot of ego and little physics IMHO. Theoretical physics is pointless without experimental tests. Personally, I prefer physicists spending more time in the lab or in classroom than on mass media

[2b3a51]

Some degree of engagement with popular opinion and culture might be needed to keep on getting money for the experiments and grants for the students.

But I take the point you are making.

[mrguyorama]

Also physicists tried the "keep out of the public and just do the science* thing and now everybody thinks physics has made no progress for 50 years and the masses think "string theory" is anything more than a topic in some books not aimed at physicists

[GoblinSlayer]

Experimental tests happen after theoretical physics figured out what tests should be done.