why do people use avatars?

Question

instead of their real pictures?is it because they are insecure about the way they look?and if so why should they care what a bunch of strangers think about them?

Answer 1

Avatars are easier, anyone can do it, you don't have to upload anything or have a 360 page if you don't want one. It kinda looks like me, I think in this forum, what we say means more than how we look.

Answer 2

Haha, I don't care whether or not people see me. Playing with the avatar was just a good waste of time while I was at work. I'm just too lazy to upload a picture that maybe ten people will see.

As for other people, there's a bunch of reasons, maybe even combinations of reasons. Some people have no ability to upload their own pictures (yes, far-fetched, but possible), some people are in the same boat as me and just lazy bastards, and I can name more than a couple people that probably consider their avatar on the same level as their myspace page or something, and frequently pore over everything about it, changing it on a regular basis to fit their mood or current hairstyle or whatever the hell.

Of course, you're right as far as there are some people who are insecure. Hell, even some people are insecure about their avatar (There's a question "how does my avatar look?" put out there by somebody). But yeah, you know, whatever. Take from this what you will.

Answer 3

I use one because I don't have a web cam. But also because I feel a little more safe not having people see me. Not because I don't believe I'm pretty. Lets say there was a way I took your picture and went to a police department and asked to get a address you was a relative you have a picture drivers license on file they make an I.D. match I got your address could I not come an harm you Why would you take that chance I like making sickos work to come and find me.

Answer 4

1) might not want a bunch of strangers looking at our pics on the internet
2) the avatar comes on by default, you have to go through extra trouble to put a picture on
3) Because the point is to be answering questions, not studying how people look


No, its not because they are insecure, or at least in my case it isnt, I have pics on my yahoo 360 page, but as for the av..I like it, so I keep it.

Answer 5

Not necessarily. Avatars are used to express you and your personality. Also, maybe some people don't want to show what they look like to the whole world, but that doesn't mean it is because they are insecure. I use mine because I liked making it to look like me and its different. Its funny that you should ask this question considering you are a model.

Answer 6

1. Lazy
2. The internet is not a safe place to put a picture
3. Avatars look better
4. Avatars can be changed very easily
5. Avatars look more professional

Answer 7

No. I'm afraid of the internet. Someone may figure out where I live based on my picture, so I use an animated one. Although it looks a like me, I"m less scared from people looking at the character. Do you understand?

Answer 8

I am not insecure...I have found most of the people who use real pics are out for attention...like this is a dating service....like an advertisement. And most use avatars to protect privacy...

Answer 9

I think an avatar can say a lot about a person. Take mine, for instance. People feared Frankensteins monster. But who could possibly fear Herman Munster? Sometimes I come across as bad or mean. But I'm really just a big, lovable lug. ;-]

Answer 10

Probably because we don't need a bunch of strangers knowing what we look like in order to protect our privacy and the privacy of our families.