Metaphors are stylistic devices which highlight the aesthetic value of texts and, through the use of imagery, help readers decode their metaphoric meaning. Although metaphoric language is typical of creative writing and fictional works, it can also be used in internet linguistics, which is also known as netlinguistics. However, in the sphere of the internet, the use of metaphors depends on the specific context in which words are used, as well as socio-cultural, psycholinguistic, and technological factors. For instance, in social media, more informal language may be used, while in academic and scientific platforms, a more formal language is expected. Since language reflects the historico-cultural developments of societies, neologisms are also common in netlinguistics. Some technological terms, due to being highly specific to the IT field, might seem metaphoric and less accessible to non-specialist readers.

I think a visual linked-node network image is helpful. It is the image that inspired Tim Berners-Lee to create it in the first place, hence the "net" part of the name. An orb-spider's web is another useful image, especially as it puts the user into the centre of the network as the spider-controller. Sometimes a visual metaphor is worth a thousand words.