The illusion of scientific authority: from misleading propaganda to dormant realities

Abstract

This critique examines perception of the scientific authority, driven by the misuse of citation metrics. It identifies how individuals produce low-quality papers in predatory journals and increase their citations by forming self-made cliques. This culture of quantitativism exerts an adverse influence on the ecosystem of science and technology. Authentic scientific authority is established through original, impactful contributions recognized by global peers under rigorous qualitative criteria.