Fake news thrives on speed and outrage. Truth takes evidence. Our FABLE method shows how to check any claim in five steps. It’s not about vibes. It’s about proof you can point to and trust.
Step 1: False claims
Identify the exact claim. Quote it word for word. Who said it, when, and where? Example: “On Oct. 9, 2025, Person X said Y in Interview Z.” Naming the claim cleanly stops moving goalposts.
Step 2: Authority
Does the claim come from someone with first-hand authority or from someone repeating a rumor? Authority means sworn testimony, court records, government data, or the person directly involved. Authority is not “I heard it on social media.”
Step 3: Bias
Every source has a perspective. Bias doesn’t always kill credibility, but it changes how you weigh it. Ask whether the source is financially or politically invested in one outcome. Balance it against independent sources.
Step 4: Logic
Does the claim make sense? Do basic facts—dates, numbers, geography—line up? Illogical claims collapse when you test them.
Step 5: Evidence
This is the anchor. Strong claims rest on evidence: sworn affidavits, dockets, official transcripts, government data, or full-context video. Weak claims float on memes, screenshots, and “people are saying.” Evidence is where rumors die.
Trusted sources
- Evidence vs Rumors explainer
- How to prove a claim in 5 steps
- govinfo.gov — official government documents
- National Archives — official records
- Pew Research Center — nonpartisan data
Keep reading next
Want to see how nostalgia stacks up against evidence? Head to the last post in this series: America Moves Forward, Not Backward.