An avatar is a digital representation of a user, character, or persona used in online platforms, games, and applications. The term originates from the Sanskrit word meaning "incarnation" or "manifestation."

In digital contexts, avatars serve multiple purposes:

- Identity representation: They allow users to express their personality or brand

- Privacy: Users can maintain anonymity while still having a visual presence

- Engagement: Avatars make platforms more personal and engaging

- Branding: Businesses use avatars to create consistent brand identities

Avatars can be:

- Photorealistic 3D renderings

- Stylized cartoon characters

- Abstract representations

- Custom illustrations

- AI-generated images

They're commonly used on social media platforms, gaming environments, virtual reality spaces, and professional networking sites.