Three Myths About the Internet That Refuse to Die

[Commentary] There are three myths about the Internet that refuse to kick the bucket. 1) The Internet is Free: The poisonous part of this myth is that it sets up the false idea that the Internet removes all barriers to free expression. The Internet removes some barriers, but it erects others. You can get a few free minutes online in your local public library, maybe, and set up a Web site using a free service (if the library's filtering software allows that). But will you be able to catch anyone's attention if you publish under those constraints? 2) The Internet Knows No Boundaries: The Internet does have boundaries, and they are often drawn along national lines. 3) The Internet Is Full of Danger: As long as you don't hand out your address to strangers, you've got a cushion of anonymity and protection online that you'll never have in the real world. It's no surprise that our myths of the Internet overestimate both its ability to bring the world together and to destroy us individually.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/88923/