As in an autobiography, the creation of a personal avatar reveals a great deal of information about a person, both explicitly and implicitly. At first glance, Drek’s personal avatar is quite repulsive. He appears to be a middle-aged man with bad skin, poor hygiene, and an obvious obsession with a virtual life (indicated by his positioning at the computer). The crumpled energy drink cans, relaxed posture, and pillow headrest indicate that he spends a great deal of time stationed in his computer chair. The setting of the city can be seen through his large picture window, though the city is in shadow, giving it a distant and disconnected feeling. The smaller window to the right of the picture window has blinds pulled down. Perhaps Drek wanted the observer to get a glimpse of the setting, but also recognize that he is not a full-blood citizen of the chaotic, external world just outside his door. Drek’s avatar has a very real and honest demeanor. One would expect that he would spruce himself up a bit for a picture, especially a virtual one in which no one would know the difference. Perhaps Drek exposes this very real moment of himself almost humorously as if to give the impression that he is not concerned with his appearance, yet hoping that his self-portrait is so exaggerated that it evokes shocked amusement. Drek seems to be poking fun at the gaming stereotype that most people imagine.
In contrast to Drek’s avatar, it seems as though someone turned up the “brightness” button on my avatar. Instead of a dingy apartment, my avatar resides in a field with soft mountains and blooming flowers. The stark setting contrasts suggest entirely different dispositions. Instead of a dull gray t-shirt, my avatar displays a neat, blue polka-dot dress with a sharp white collar. This might suggest a personal difference in the need for social acceptance and conformity with cultural norms. Another interesting aspect of the avatars is the setting in which they reside. Drek’s avatar is most likely living in an apartment similar to his in real life. However, while my fictional self lives in a perfect meadow, I live in a dormitory. Drek seems to portray himself as is, perhaps even an exaggerated version of him. I chose to portray my Ideal-I, the ideal way in which I hope people see me – a happy, innocent young woman with an enchantingly optimistic attitude. I would hope that my avatar could not be broken down so simply. Notice that both avatars were made in the cartoon style of the TV show South Park. It is possible that Drek and I share the same outrageous and satirical sense of humor.
