Carbon copying oneself, sometimes referred to as self-CC, involves including one’s own email address in the carbon copy field of an outgoing message. This practice results in a copy of the sent email appearing in the sender’s inbox, alongside the recipients. For example, an individual might send an email to a client and simultaneously CC themself to maintain a record.
The practice serves several purposes, notably record-keeping and assurance. It provides a readily accessible confirmation that the message was dispatched and allows for easy retrieval of the email’s content and recipients at a later date. Historically, before sophisticated “sent items” folders, this was a more crucial step to guarantee message retention. Even with modern email systems, some individuals find it beneficial for quick access or as a supplementary backup. It is especially useful in situations where the “sent items” folder is unreliable due to syncing issues or storage limitations.