Sourcesiding

A phenomenon on the internet where only one side of a debate is required to provide sources, proof, and evidence for everything they say, while the other side can say whatever they want—and their claims are accepted as "objective facts," "reality," or "common sense." A simple phrase like "that's a fact" or "that's biased" is considered sufficient for the favored side, while the disfavored side must produce articles, data, and screenshots. Sourcesiding is a form of asymmetrical epistemic burden, and it is often accompanied by sourcesplaining. It is common in political, religious, and scientific debates.

Example: "In a political discussion, one participant is asked to provide sources for every claim, while the other side's assertions are treated as self-evident. That's sourcesiding: one side must prove everything; the other side must prove nothing."

Sourcesiding by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal July 12, 2026