RETHINKING THE ROLE OF PREDATORY JOURNALS AND PAPER MILLS IN ACADEMIC PUBLISHING: A RESPONSE TO SYSTEMIC PRESSURES

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This paper examines both the negative and unexpected positive impacts associated with the rise of predatory journals and paper mills, considering the complex structural pressures that have cultivated a publishing ecosystem where fraudulent research thrives. Despite their unethical practices, these entities address critical issues facing academia, including financial barriers, publication delays, and a high-stakes emphasis on publishing quantity over quality. This paper argues that predatory journals and paper mills have proliferated due to a demand created by institutional requirements, financial hurdles posed by major journals, and the monopolistic tendencies of high-impact journals. In examining these issues, this paper calls for rethinking the current publishing framework and advocates for reform to reduce the demand for predatory practices and create a more inclusive research environment.