Misinformation is a significant concern in Western societies, but there is debate over whether it is a symptom or a cause of social issues. The authors argue that misinformation can be both a symptom and a cause, and that its multidimensionality (topic, type, and depth of dissemination) should be considered when evaluating its impact. They emphasize the need for a more nuanced understanding of misinformation, recognizing that it can have different effects depending on context and type. The authors highlight that while some researchers argue that misinformation is a symptom of deeper societal issues, such as inequality and political polarization, others stress that misinformation can directly influence beliefs and behaviors. They argue that even if misinformation is a symptom, it can still have significant causal effects. For example, misinformation can lead to vaccine hesitancy, which can have serious public health consequences. The authors also discuss the importance of considering the different types of misinformation, such as truthiness, systemic lies, and shock-and-chaos, and how they can have varying impacts. They emphasize the need to consider the depth of misinformation, including how it is distributed and repeated, as this can amplify its effects. The authors call for a shift in research focus, advocating for more observational studies and a broader, more global perspective. They also suggest that future research should consider the cognitive processes involved in misinformation, such as gist processing, and how these can be used to better understand and address misinformation. In conclusion, the authors argue that the impact of misinformation is complex and multifaceted, and that a more nuanced understanding is needed to develop effective interventions. They emphasize the importance of considering the different dimensions of misinformation and the need for more comprehensive research to address the issue effectively.Misinformation is a significant concern in Western societies, but there is debate over whether it is a symptom or a cause of social issues. The authors argue that misinformation can be both a symptom and a cause, and that its multidimensionality (topic, type, and depth of dissemination) should be considered when evaluating its impact. They emphasize the need for a more nuanced understanding of misinformation, recognizing that it can have different effects depending on context and type. The authors highlight that while some researchers argue that misinformation is a symptom of deeper societal issues, such as inequality and political polarization, others stress that misinformation can directly influence beliefs and behaviors. They argue that even if misinformation is a symptom, it can still have significant causal effects. For example, misinformation can lead to vaccine hesitancy, which can have serious public health consequences. The authors also discuss the importance of considering the different types of misinformation, such as truthiness, systemic lies, and shock-and-chaos, and how they can have varying impacts. They emphasize the need to consider the depth of misinformation, including how it is distributed and repeated, as this can amplify its effects. The authors call for a shift in research focus, advocating for more observational studies and a broader, more global perspective. They also suggest that future research should consider the cognitive processes involved in misinformation, such as gist processing, and how these can be used to better understand and address misinformation. In conclusion, the authors argue that the impact of misinformation is complex and multifaceted, and that a more nuanced understanding is needed to develop effective interventions. They emphasize the importance of considering the different dimensions of misinformation and the need for more comprehensive research to address the issue effectively.