20091016 -- Avatars (1)

Avatars

What do you look like on the web?

Today, thousands of people can do things they never thought possible. Some people fly. Other people talk to hundreds of strangers in a foreign language without ever feeling nervous. Some even grow tails or other strange body parts. Well, not really. People aren't really growing tails or flying, but their avatars are.

What is an avatar? It is simply an online representation of a person. Some websites and video games allow players to use avatars for a more personal experience. With avatars, users can see- and control- themselves in a digital world. Users can also choose what they're going to look like in that world. For example, Nintendo's Wii allows players to create their own "Miis," or cartoo-like representations of themselves. Players then can use their Miis to play games or interact with other players. Studio Classroom's online English-learning tool, Cyber Village uses avatars too. Users can choose their avatars' haircuts, clothing, and even add extras like bags or pets.