During the pandemic, did you come across news articles linking 5G mobile networks to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, or claims that vitamin C could cure this infection? These headlines are a part of what the World Health Organization (WHO) described as the COVID-19 “infodemic”⁽¹⁾—false or misleading information circulating in digital and physical environments during a disease outbreak.

This is just one example of how misinformation has infiltrated our daily lives, shaping the way we discuss science and related concepts. As researchers and individuals, we need to be particularly aware of misinformation affecting our lives, work, thought processes, and consequent decisions. To address these challenges, we must first recognize what misinformation is, identify its impact, and take proactive steps to combat it.