How We Represent Ourselves on the Internet
Online Self-Representation in the Form of Avatars and Usernames
Jun 14, 2009 Cynthia Jones-Shoeman
In our everyday “real life,” the image we project is a composite of what we say, what we do (including our careers, hobbies, and friends), the clothes we wear, and more. But online, by and large, our image is only a representation of our real self.
We have several ways of representing ourselves online—through the use of avatars and usernames, and even through various forms of text messages. Let’s explore how avatars and usernames, seemingly simple representations, constitute a major part of one’s online identity.
Avatars
An avatar is “an internet user’s representation of himself/herself . . . It is an ‘object’ representing the embodiment of the user. The term ‘avatar’ can also refer to the personality connected with the screen name, or handle, of an Internet user” (“Avatar [computing]”). According to Wikipedia, the term “avatar” in relation to computing was first used in the 1980s in connection to computer games.
Prior to its use as an internet term, an avatar in Hindu philosophy was an “incarnation of a Hindu deity, especially Vishnu, in human or animal form” (“Avatar: Definition”). Perhaps we envision our avatars as the most divine part of ourselves or maybe we feel that we are almost godlike online. Whatever the case, an avatar remains a powerful symbol.
Individuals choose these self-representations with care, as these icons serve as “first impressions” in cyberspace. One website maintains that “[t]he avatar is your face in cyberspace,” and that a person can build his or her reputation by choosing the right avatar (“Increase Your Popularity”).
Usernames
A username (also known as a handle, screen name, screenname, s/n, userid, nickname, or nick) is a “name” that represents an individual online. These names are often chosen just as carefully as avatars. Individuals who have no intention of spending much time online do not ponder their online identity as much as persons who plan to blog or join forum discussions.
They will often take default usernames from email accounts; these usernames are frequently generic, such as “jsmith7.” These people will usually have a username that consists of all or part of their name, sometimes in combination with a significant date, number, or word.
Individuals who wish to establish an online identity will very often spend lots of time choosing a username, because it represents them on the internet. Many times a person will choose a username that is a reflection of her personality.
One website tells its members that “[t]here are no hard and fast rules for choosing a username, other than that it must be unique and should be relatively easy type” (“Choosing a username”). Many people will choose a username that incorporates hobbies, interests, or clues as to one’s identity, such as “teddybearlover,” “raiders_fan,” or “daddys-little-girl.”
Self-Representation
Avatars and usernames are just two ways we represent ourselves online. Text is yet another large way (through blogs, emails, forums, etc.) and may seem more important at first; however, many people spend much more time choosing their avatars and usernames than they do with composing text later on. Perhaps it's because an avatar or username is how one makes a "first impression" online, and the adage reminds us that first impressions are most important.
Resources:
“Avatar: Definition from Answers.com.” http://www.answers.com/topic/avatar
“Avatar (computing).” Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_(computing)
“Choosing a Username.” The Perl Foundation. http://www.perlmonks.org/?node_id=156912
“Increase Your Popularity: How to Choose the Perfect Avatar.” Context over Dogma: Insight into Viral and Social Media Marketing. http://www.pandemiclabs.com/blog/social-media/importance-of-avatars/
This article is the first of a series. Second article: Online Image is Representation of Our Real Self
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