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The Geographical Review April 1997, Vol. 87 (2), pp. 155-171 Cyberspace and Virtual Places Paul C. Adams ABSTRACT Computer networks are often described in terms that imply a virtual space or place: electronic frontier, cyberspace, and information superhighway have been used to indicate computer networks as a whole: cafés, dungeons, and virtual offices are some of the "places" people refer to as being in or on networks. The use of this language, which I collectively call "virtual-place metaphors," indicates three broad metaphorical themes: virtual architecture, electronic frontier, and cyberspace. The metaphors encourage control, surveillance, and capitalist expansion through computer technologies­­and also evasion and resistance through computer technologies. Keywords: computer networking, cyberspace, metaphor, place representation DR. ADAMS is an assistant professor of geography at the State University of New York at Albany. To contact the author: Professor Paul C. Adams Department of Geography and Planning, ES-218 University at Albany, SUNY Albany, NY 12222 Phone: (518) 442-4769, (518) 442-4742 fax Email: adamsp@cscpop.albany.edu