Self-Indulgence (in academic or scientific work) In academic or scientific critique, self-indulgence refers to the pursuit of personal interest, aesthetic satisfaction, or intellectual vanity at the expense of rigor, relevance, or utility. It occurs when researchers prioritize their own fascination or artistic flair over solving real problems, answering meaningful questions, or benefiting patients.

🎭 Key Features: Unjustified focus – Excessive attention to minutiae, obscure structures, or imaging artifacts that lack clinical value.

Performative scholarship – Use of high-end technology, ornate language, or complex images primarily to impress, not to inform.

Detachment from impact – The work exists in a vacuum, with no intent to change clinical practice or improve outcomes.

Author-centered, not patient-centered – The article becomes a showcase of the author's skills, not a contribution to the scientific community.