===== ⚠️ Mediocrity (Academic Definition) =====

Mediocrity refers to the widespread presence and acceptance of [[average]], [[unoriginal]], or low-impact work within academia — often masked by [[formalism]], [[jargon]], or [[institutional prestige]].

==== 🧪 Key Characteristics ====
  * **Repetition of known ideas** without meaningful contribution.
  * **Lack of critical thinking** or innovation.
  * **Excessive jargon** used to obscure simplicity or superficiality.
  * **Conformity** to prevailing academic trends without questioning them.
  * **Dependency on prestige** to give weight to otherwise weak content.

==== 🧱 Causes ====
  * Publish-or-perish culture.
  * Metrics-driven evaluation (e.g., h-index, impact factor).
  * Careerism and reward for quantity over quality.
  * Gatekeeping that favors “safe” contributions over bold or disruptive ones.

==== 🎭 In Practice ====
A multi-author review full of vague AI enthusiasm, published in a high-impact journal by a prestigious committee, but with no technical depth, data, or practical guidance — this is institutionalized mediocrity.

==== 🚨 Risks ====
  * Dilution of scientific discourse.
  * Wasted funding and academic labor.
  * Erosion of public trust in academic authority.
  * Hindrance to real progress and innovation.

==== 📎 Related Terms ====
  * [[academic_prestige|Academic Prestige]]
  * [[gatekeeping|Gatekeeping]]
  * [[factory_made_science|Factory-Made Science]]
  * [[academic_theater|Academic Theater]]
  * [[careerism|Careerism]]

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**Bottom line**: Mediocrity thrives where form replaces substance, and where prestige shields work from scrutiny.