Much of this is likely psychological -- in casual conversation at conferences, I definitely ask people about what school they go to rather than what their resea

Much of this is likely psychological -- in casual conversation at conferences, I definitely ask people about what school they go to rather than what their research project is. Whenever I ask someone about their research project, they launch into an often lengthy synopsis which typically requires ten minutes of clarifying questions to even understand. Then, they may offer to forward me their paper which I must accept or feel callous.