Instant messaging, emailing, and posting on discussion boards are just some of the popular ways that people interact on the internet.  One ingenious way that people use to express their emotions online is by using special characters such as smileys, emoticons and avatars.  Some of these are created by putting together certain letters, numbers and punctuation marks to convey feelings of sadness or happiness.  Chat rooms are made more interesting through the use of avatars, pictures that describe your online persona.  One can choose from a set list of avatars or one can upload his own choice of picture - either one he has created or an already existing picture.