As each of us searches the internet about topics of special personal
interest, we discover online forums, bulletin boards and chat rooms.

On such web sites, in addition to each participant having a screen
name (that is, a usernamer), many of these communication hubs permit
each individual to display a personal graphic art image with them -
which acts as a quick visual (versus 'text') identifier. That digital,
artistic image is commonly called an avatar.

Each time a participant posts an answer or a question, their avatar,
username, perhaps a favorite personal motto are also automatically
displayed as components of the overall message.

An avatar may be a digital rendering of a logo, icon, geometric
or symbol ... virtually any object which is socially acceptable
(while copying the work of another is unacceptable, and also a
copyright infringement).