verwijzingsmonster

Verwijzingsmonster is a Dutch neologism used to describe how a single reference can trigger a cascade of further references, citations, and mentions across scholarly works, blogs, and online media. The term treats this propagation as a collective phenomenon in information ecosystems, rather than a literal creature. It is used in discussions of citation practices, bibliometrics, and online content propagation to characterize how a primary source can give rise to an expanding web of derivative materials.

Etymology: verwijzing means reference or pointer, and monster connotes an unruly growth. The expression appears in Dutch-language discourse on science communication, digital literacy, and meta-science, particularly in the context of online discussions and informal critique of citation practices.

Characteristics include rapid propagation through multiple media, amplification of a seemingly minor or secondary source, and potential loss of original nuance as information travels. It is often facilitated by search engines, hyperlinks, and social sharing, which enable a single reference to be reproduced, reformulated, and embedded in diverse contexts. The phenomenon raises questions about reliability, authorship, and the integrity of the scholarship or reporting surrounding the original reference.

Implications: the verwijzingsmonster can increase visibility for sources but also inflate perceived importance and obscure the original context or nuance. It poses challenges for literature reviews, critical appraisal, and public understanding when derivatives diverge from or misinterpret the initial source.

Related concepts include citation cascade, reference inflation, and link rot. See also: bibliometrics, information propagation.