An avatar is a representation of a human on the internet or in a virtual reality environment. Avatars are used as a form of personal branding; a means of creating a recognisable identity.

The term derives from Hinduism where it refers to the bodily  incarnation of a higher being or god on Earth.

In the online world there are two forms of avatar. A simple 2-dimensional icon, of the type that people use in discussion fora and on blogs, and the 3 dimensional type which are used in games and virtual reality spaces such as Second Life.