Avatar

An avatar is the visual representation of a user in an online space — a photo, illustration, or generated icon shown next to your messages and on your profile.

In anonymous chat, avatars are often randomly assigned or abstract by design, so they identify you within a conversation without revealing your real appearance. This lets other users tell participants apart without anyone having to share a real photo.

An avatar is distinct from a display name: the avatar is the picture, the display name is the text label. Together they form your visible identity in a chat.