commendbitis

Commendbitis is a neologism used in theoretical discussions to denote a hypothetical inflammatory reaction to sustained praise-seeking behavior within a social group. It is not an established medical condition, and it has no formal diagnostic criteria in medicine or psychology.

The word combines commendare, to praise, with -itis, a suffix used for inflammatory diseases, to signal a social-communication analogue rather than a true anatomical process.

In this framing, commendbitis describes cycles where repeated endorsements or laudatory discourse produce defensive or aggressive responses, leading to polarization rather than consensus.

Proposed signs include excessive self-promotion, reflexive agreement, resistance to critique, and escalation of praise in communal settings; psychological effects may include reduced openness and increased conflict.

Proposed drivers include online amplification, identity signaling, echo chambers, and performative activism.

Diagnosis would rely on sociolinguistic analysis, discourse surveys, and content analysis; it is not a clinical diagnosis. Management emphasizes moderation, critical thinking, exposure to diverse viewpoints, and media literacy to encourage balanced discourse.

History and usage: coinaged in online discussions in the early 2020s; usage remains informal and contested, with no standard definition. The term is not recognized in medical literature and is primarily encountered in speculative or rhetorical contexts. See also rhetoric, group polarization, social psychology.