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Abstract:

It is absolutely essentially that the metaphors of use surrounding the NII and its component services be examined critically. We need to do this for two reasons. The descriptions and explanations of the NII and its component services will affect the societal debate around implementation and social impacts. Some of the metaphors used to describe the NII, however, distort the real effects and possibilities inherent in the NII.
The NII's use is likely to have dramatic effects on our notions of democracy, eduction, community, equality and other important features of our society. Nonetheless, the terms of acceptance and adoption for the NII are not yet set societally. It is important to do this critical examination now, before the metaphors and terms get permanently established.