Abstract
“Internet” is an instance of a virtual and networked organization. We understand the meanings of virtual and network, however, in a broader sense than the specific meaning of information and computer technology (ICT). This chapter, in fact, is based on the interplay between such specific and general meaning associations. As a result of this interplay with the concepts of virtual and networked organizations and technologies, some emerging issues about Internet, as well as “NVOs” will be brought up. Our comments on these issues will hopefully draw attention to certain aspects of the Internet as one important example of the networked and virtual organizations. Some of these aspects would normally be considered as less related to scientific studies or knowledge than to other studies, or bodies of knowledge. For instance, some resources that we incorporate into our discussion are considered (social) science fiction.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Potential Space: The area of living that both connects and separates real and virtual, which together can construct symbolic representations.
Virtual: A human mind or computer-mediated representation of reality.
Ubiquity: The possibility of mobility that can eliminate any spatial or temporal restrictions for management of knowledge.
Reflection: Perception of reality as it is.
Refraction: Reconceiving reality for changing it.
Cyberspace: Virtual place on the Internet.
Avatar: Virtual representation of an Internet user.
Knowledge Amphoras (@): Technologies that can facilitate cross-cultural interaction for knowledge creation and management.
Metaverse: Virtual-reality-based Internet.