> Blaming social media for this is shooting the messenger.

No, it's not. Social media created a world wide bullying environment. Most of people all over the world are in trouble because they have to compete unrealistic image of you or your profession created by social media. Whatever you are or do, you are never good enough. Education, medical field and science are especially vulnerable in this regard.

Tech sector isn't really exception, but insane amount of money people get in some parts of the world for compensation makes it more tolerable.

Except it is not an unrealistic expectation to be paid adequately and not be underpaid worker.

Social media might make this disparity obvious and in your face, but it did not create it.

I’m curious how that isn’t obvious to someone going into research.

It is quite obvious, which is why the parent poster's ire is misplaced.

I don’t disagree, but in person people do I think tend to avoid discussing in detail money-associated things with people who can’t afford the same. Like they’re not going to avoid it entirely, but a lot of points might be glossed over, the conversation may be changed quickly, etc. Whereas on social media there is more detail out in the open regardless of social context. That context ignoring part is kind of new.