IRL Meaning
IRL stands for In Real Life.
IRL is an internet slang initialism that specifies that a person is talking about reality vs. life on social media, movies, video games, etc.
How Is IRL Used? Use Cases & Examples
IRL is an online slang term, so it’s not part of a formal conversation. If you’re having a formal conversation, consider replacing it with “in reality.” Teenagers use this slang term to settle the difference between online life and real life. Parents should pay special attention to any messages talking about “meeting IRL.”
Examples of how your teen might use the slang term IRL:
- I’m thinking about buying a sword IRL.
- Those Instagram pictures have been retouched; he has considerably less hair IRL.
- I met Javier Bardem at the airport; he’s very nice IRL.
- That musician isn’t as handsome IRL.
How to Identify If Your Kids Are Using the IRL Slang Word
Teen slang like IRL can contain details automatic from conversations. You worry about the meaning of the acronyms used by your kids when talking to their peers. Now, here are two ways to detect the IRL slang word that can save kids from online and physical danger:
1. Check Their Phones Directly for the IRL Slang Word
To find out if your teens are using the IRL slang word, you can check their mobile phones directly. There are many things to check, including text messages, search history, and chat messages on WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook, Line, and more.
Cons:
- Affect your relationship with your kids
- Troublesome
- Can’t detect dangers timely
Pros:
- No need to install any app
2. Install A Parental Control App to Monitor the IRL Slang Word
Choose an appropriate parental control app and install it on your kids’ phones. It does an excellent job of monitoring children’s online activities to detect slang terms like IRL. It is a user-friendly solution that provides you with timely alerts. With this app, you don’t have to worry about your kids‘ safety.
Pros:
- More features like chat monitoring, GPS tracking, call recording, surrounding recording, etc
- Instant alerts
- Easy to install and use
Cons:
- Some apps are not free
Parental Control Apps to Detect the IRL Slang Word
Android:
- Google Family link:
It is a family parental control service from Google that helps you check search history for the IRL slang word, restrict content, set screen time, and more. - iKeyMonitor:
iKeyMonitor is one of the most powerful parental control apps. It monitors SMS, chat messages, and searched terms on kids’ phones. It will take screenshots/photos and send instant alerts to you on triggered alert words such as IRL. Besides, it will record calls, surroundings and block inappropriate apps to protect your kids from threats.
iOS:
- Apple Screen Time:
With Apple’s built-in parental control setting, you can manage app limits, set content restrictions, and more. Just unlock the iPhone or iPad, then go to Settings and tap on Screen Time. - Norton Family Parental Control:
Norton Family provides insights that help you foster a healthy online/offline balance for your children and their devices. - Kaspersky Safe Kids with GPS:
Kaspersky Safe Kids is a popular parental control app that provides web monitoring, app blocking, filtering, and more. - Alertbird Parental Control:
Alertbird is a parental control app for iOS that monitors the IRL slang term and other dangerous words. You will be notified immediately if it detects alert keywords in your searched terms and chat messages, such as the IRL slang word.
Tips to Talk With Your Kids About the Use of the IRL Slang Word
IRL is the perfect springboard for discussing digital media and reality. Research shows that viewing Instagram posts can increase depression and feelings of worthlessness in teens, so it’s important to guide kids to think critically about what they’re seeing. Here are some conversation starters about IRL:
- Let’s try all the filters on this selfie and see how different we can make ourselves look.
- Do you know anyone who is not so happy in life, but shows the opposite on social media?
- Have you and your friends ever used Facetune to edit your photos?
- Can you think of anyone with real social media posts?
