Avatars

Avatars are a graphical representation of a person or character online. Almost all forms of websites and social media have them, videogames and more. They can be 3d models or 2d images. Some even take the form of moving gif images. Avatars are used for many things and are related to a lot of things such as individuals idealizing themselves as their avatars.

They provide users with additional anonymity on the internet.

Uses
Avatars are used for many different things such as internet forums, chats, Instant messaging, artificial intelligence, video games, virtual worlds like second life, and social media.

There is a lot of versatility in how avatars are used as well as what kinds are used. This can lead to good things and bad things such as using avatars to remain anonymous on the web. However, it can also lead to idealization where individuals only believe in their online persona. Idealization can lead to misleading friends or lovers online, a term called cat fishing.