Is Academia Really "BROKEN"?

There have been a few videos lately proclaiming that academia is "BROKEN".
Though there are undoubtedly problems in academia, saying its broken is not only wrong, it's deeply cynical and damaging.

[@archanadayal4180]

Very well said James! I guess being solution and action oriented no matter what situation we are in, always helps!

[@RobMacLeod]

Excellent summary and motivation to seek a supportive place asn then follow our own path toward integrity. One could replace "academia" with just about every major element of society, e.g., sports, politics, religion, media, etc. and find both the same problems and sources of cynicism, but also a similar response: if we each find a supportive place and then contribute, we will help push in the right direction. At the mature end of my academic career, I am most proud of the mentoring I do and the atmosphere I try to create around me.

[@atypicalmatias]

Let's analyze Campbell's law: The more any quantitative social indicator is used for social decision-making, the more subject it will be to corruption pressures and the more apt it will be to distort and corrupt the social processes it is intended to monitor.[1]

[@rapamune]

I suppose social media propagate the use of sweeping statements, however, there is a certain degree of truth in some of the aspects to doing research.

[@James_Hayton]

Yeah, I get that it's for clickbait... but I think there's a toxic and cynical aspect to it, too

[@rapamune]

@@James_Hayton I concur. There is an inherent inflation of, and subsequent focus, on negative sentiments on the web. I find that most opinions, whether it be positive or negative, tend to regress to the mean when discussed in person. I think it is paramount to consider and discuss the worsening of mental states in society despite and objective improvement in welfare across the board - it is evident even in Scandinavia where most needs are taken care of by the state.

[@morganeua]

Yes! The Academy is just a bunch of individuals doing research. So, if you want to change the way it's done - then start with yourself! And if that is impossible because you are surrounded by toxic individuals, maybe it's time to take your research somewhere else.