mentionname

Mention name is a term used in online communication to refer to the user identifier that appears in a message to reference a specific user. It is most commonly seen on social networks, chat apps, forums, and collaborative tools that support mentions. The exact form varies by platform, but many systems display an at-sign followed by a username (for example, @Username) or provide a clickable link to the referenced profile. In some contexts the phrase may also refer to the display name or handle that identifies the person, as distinct from their real name.

Function and usage: Mentions serve to direct attention, facilitate replies, and trigger notifications for the targeted user. They can help coordinate discussions, acknowledge contributions, and invite input. Platform policies and user settings determine who can be mentioned and what notifications are sent. Misuse, such as excessive or irrelevant mentions, is typically addressed by community norms and moderation tools.

Technical and design considerations: Systems map a mention name to a unique user account and must handle variations in spelling, capitalization, and aliases. Normalization, privacy controls, and moderation interfaces influence how mentions appear and behave. Accessibility concerns may require that mentions are announced by screen readers and that highlighted links are keyboard-accessible. Differences across platforms mean that the exact behavior of mentions can vary widely.

See also mention, notification, tagging, and username.