Misinformed about misinformation: On the polarizing discourse on misinformation and its consequences for the field

The field of misinformation is facing several challenges, from attacks on academic freedom to polarizing discourse about the nature and extent of the problem for elections and digital wellbeing. However, we see this as an inflection point and an opportunity to chart a more informed and contextual research practice. To foster credible research and informed public policy, we argue that research on misinformation should be locally focused, self-reflexive, and interdisciplinary, addressing critical questions about what counts as misinformation and why it does, the vulnerabilities of specific communities, and the sociotechnical and sociopolitical conditions that shape information interpretation. By concentrating on when and how misinformation affects society, instead of whether, the field can provide more precise insights and contribute to productive discussions.