Cybervetting

Cybervetting is the process of conducting online research on someone in order to vet them for a job, political office, or other position of authority. The term is a portmanteau of the words "cyber" and "vetting", and is similar to other online research methods such as Googling someone or checking their social media accounts.

Cybervetting can be used to find out information about a person's qualifications, character, and reputation. It can also be used to dig up dirt on someone, in order to blackmail them or damage their reputation. Cybervetting is often conducted by political opponents, journalists, and employers.

The internet has made it easier than ever to conduct cybervetting. Anyone with an internet connection can do it, and there is a wealth of information available online. However, this also means that anyone can be the subject of cybervetting, and that false or misleading information can spread quickly and easily.

Cybervetting can have serious consequences, both for the people who are cybervetted and for society as a whole. It can lead to invasion of privacy, cyberbullying, and witch hunts. It can also discourage people from running for office or taking other positions of authority, out of fear that their lives will be subjected to intense scrutiny.

Cybervetting is a new phenomenon, and we are still learning about its implications. As we become more reliant on the internet, it is important to be aware of the risks and to consider the potential impact of this new form of research.