Hurrah! A really accessible reading.

“The primary (or conceptual metaphors that were used repeatedly in the editorials were those of physical space, physical speed, destruction, and salvation.! (p.4)

The metaphors on physical space correspond to the films we have been watching which portray a sort of cyberworld (matrix, elephant dream, Stop Dave, Worldbuilder). A lot of these films have portrayed negative views of such a man-created world. Virtual worlds play with this idea of a newly built world. The text describes the necessity of rules for our virtual lives which shows that the border between virtual and non-virtual lives are becoming blurred.

Metaphors about physical speed portray the increase in speed for instance in the exchange of information.

The metaphors on destruction and salvation emphasize the dichotomy of promise and threat as described in one of the core readings by Bell. An opposition that will not be resolved!

Johnston, R (2009) Salvation or destruction: metaphors of the internet. First Monday, 14(4). [web site]