Reputational inflation refers to the phenomenon of artificially inflating one’s reputation through exaggerated or false claims, often in order to gain social status or influence. This can occur in various contexts, such as in the business world where individuals may embellish their accomplishments or in social media where people may curate a perfect image of themselves. Reputational inflation can lead to a distorted perception of one’s true character and abilities, ultimately damaging their credibility and trustworthiness. It is a deceptive practice that undermines the value of genuine achievements and can have negative consequences on both personal and professional relationships.