An avatar is a graphic element that allows the identification of a user on a social network, video game or digital platform.
Avatar is a term from the French language that has its etymological root in the Sanskrit word avatâra . The concept is used in different ways according to the context.
The first meaning mentioned by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) in its dictionary refers to a vicissitude , an incident , an event or a stage . In this case, avatar is used in the plural.
For example: “The vicissitudes of the agricultural industry worry the president,” “In tomorrow's program we will analyze the vicissitudes of the final series of the championship,” “We already know that we will have to deal with the vicissitudes of the national economy.”
Avatar in religion
The idea of avatar can also refer to reincarnation or metamorphosis .
In the specific case of Hinduism , avatars are considered to be incarnations of the god Vishnu (or Vishnu ) who adopt an animal or human appearance.
The concept in computing
In the field of computing , an avatar is a graphic element that identifies a user in a social network, a computer program or other digital tool or service. These are generally drawings or photographs, although there are also avatars with movement.
In the apps and social networks that exist specifically for children, it has been established that the avatar can only be a drawing or a figure that they create within them. In this way, what is sought is that minors cannot be victims of sexual offenders who use the Internet to commit their misdeeds.
Instant messaging programs and forums often allow users to include avatars as identification . Avatars are also used in role-playing games.
The movie "Avatar" revolves around the extraterrestrial Na'vi civilization.
Movie "Avatar"
“Avatar” is the title of a film directed, written and produced by Canadian James Cameron , which became the highest-grossing film in history . Its story takes place on Pandora , a moon of a planet called Polyphemus where the Na'vi live. These extraterrestrial beings are in conflict with human beings since they live on a mineral deposit that could solve the Earth 's energy problems. In this framework, terrestrial scientists create the Avatar program, which allows people's minds to be “ translated” into artificial Na'vi bodies to interact on Pandora .
In 2009, the premiere of this feature film took place, starring actors such as Zoe Saldaña , Michelle Rodríguez , Sigourney Weaver and Sam Worthington . It has three Oscar Awards : for Best Photography , for Best Art Direction and for Best Special Effects .
Such is the success it achieved that four sequels are planned. “Avatar 2” , for example, was released at the end of 2022 .
Other uses of the term
In the same way, we cannot forget that Avatar is the name of a Swedish metal band. Specifically, this musical group was born in Gothenburg back in 2001 . There are a total of six record albums that this group has on the market so far, which has also achieved significant international success by writing a song about Sarah Kerrigan , who is the character of the famous video game "Starcraft" .
There is also “Avatar. The Last Airbender.” It is an American cartoon series that revolves around the character that gives it its name, the last of a line of avatars.