selfcited

Self-citation, also known as self-reference, occurs when an author cites their own previous work within a new publication. This is a common practice in academic and research fields, serving several purposes. Authors may self-cite to build upon previous findings, provide context for their current research, or acknowledge prior contributions to the field. It can also be used to demonstrate the progression of an author's ideas or to highlight a continuity of research.

While self-citation is a legitimate and often necessary part of scholarly discourse, excessive or inappropriate self-citation can be viewed negatively. Concerns arise when self-citation appears to be primarily motivated by a desire to inflate publication metrics, such as citation counts, rather than for genuine scholarly reasons. This practice can be seen as a form of self-promotion that may not reflect the true impact or quality of the cited work.

Journals and academic institutions often have guidelines or policies regarding citation practices, which may include recommendations on self-citation. Researchers are generally expected to cite their previous work judiciously and only when it is relevant and contributes meaningfully to the current work. The ethical consideration lies in ensuring that self-citations are driven by academic merit and transparency, rather than by a strategic manipulation of citation metrics.