Trying to capture the Internet in words reminds me of the
parable of the blind men trying to describe an elephant. The one
who grabbed the tail was sure the beast resembled a rope. The
one who wrapped his arms around a thick leg was sure that it was
very similar to a tree. The one who latched onto the trunk
concluded that the animal was related to the snake. Likewise, the
Internet, or "Net" for short, is a different critter depending on
which piece of it you happen to grab.
I enjoy this classic tale retold this way:
Six wise, blind elephants were discussing what humans were like. Failing
to agree, they decided to determine what humans were like by direct
experience.
The first wise, blind elephant felt the human, and declared, "Humans are
flat."
The other wise, blind elephants, after similarly feeling the human,
agreed.