Misinformation beyond fact-checking: Definitional integration and the dual-path evolution model

Recently, misinformation has garnered wider attention. However, the ambiguous definition of misinformation hinders deeper and more integrated research across various fields concerning misinformation. Therefore, departing from fact-checking methods, we identify two receiver-based misinformation dimensions: public engagement level and gist misunderstanding. Furthermore, we integrate existing conceptualizations of misinformation to propose an evolutionary model that delineates two key pathways of misinformation development: (1) information distortion processes and (2) intra-group dissemination dynamics. This work is anticipated to (1) systematize the currently fragmented conceptualizations of misinformation through its dual-dimensional integration and (2) establish novel diagnostic metrics for disinformation identification in applied domains, such as health communication and public opinion governance, while (3) providing theoretical foundations for platform content moderation and media literacy education by elucidating misinformation's source-level evolutionary mechanisms, ultimately contributing to more robust scientific frameworks and societal-level prevention systems.