What does IRL mean?
Definition, Use Cases, Examples

IRL Meaning

IRLstands for In Real Life.

IRL in an internet slang initialism that specifies that a person is talking about reality vs. life on social media, movies, video games, etc.

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How is IRL used? Use Cases & Examples

Teenagers use this slang term to address the distinctions between life online and in reality. By using IRL,a teenager acknowledges that there are discrepancies in life online and life offline. Parents should be especially alert for any messages that talk about meeting IRL.

Examples of how your teen might use the slang term IRL:

-We met Jesse Eisenberg! He’s pretty short irl.

-My avi has flames for hair, but irl it’s just carrot orange.

-They’re planning to have a sword fight IRL.

-Yikes, do you think John will turn out to be a griefer irl?

How to Identify if your child is using the IRL slang word

You might learn your child is using this slang term by chance when a text pops up on the phone screen. But while the slang term IRL is usually harmless, other teenage slang terms could indicate that your teen is talking about risky behaviors or communicating with potentially dangerous people.

Having a parental control app on your child’s phone will give you peace of mind by alerting you to your child’s exposure to risks encountered on their phone. With a parental control app installed on your child’s phone, you have the control to set alerts to help your teen avoid the pitfalls of predators, drug dealers, and other negative influences. Having the ability to vary the level of monitoring gives you the power to choose what is right for your child, and these levels can be adjusted easily at any time.

How to talk with your child about use of the IRL slang word

The slang expression IRL is the prefect springboard for a discussion of digital media vs. reality. Studies show that viewing Instagram posts can heighten feelings of depression and worthlessness in teenagers, so it’s important that you guide your kids in thinking critically about what they’re seeing. Here are some conversation starters for talking about the slang term IRL:

Let’s try all the filters on this selfie to see how different we can make ourselves look.
Do you know anyone who has a less than happy life but portrays the opposite on social media?
Have you and your friends ever used Facetune to edit your pictures?
Can you think of someone who has authentic social media postings?

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What does IRL mean? Definition, Use Cases, Examples