What is a username or handle used for on social media platforms?

A username or handle serves as a unique identifier for users on social media platforms, often preceding a specific symbol such as the @ symbol. This unique identifier allows users to distinguish one account from another, making it easier to find and interact with other users. For example, when someone mentions another user in a post or comments, they generally use the username to tag them directly.

Using a handle helps to facilitate communication and engagement within the platform by enabling users to follow, mention, or message each other easily. While other options relate to features of social media, they do not directly define the role of a username or handle in the same way, as they focus on aspects like contact information, group creation, or preference display—none of which encapsulate the primary function of user identification on social networks.