IRL

IRL

IRL” is an acronym that stands for “In Real Life.” It’s a term that’s often used in online conversations to distinguish between the virtual world and the real world. When your kids are chatting online or playing video games, they might use “IRL” to talk about things that are happening in their everyday life outside of the digital world.

As a parent, you might be trying to decode your child’s messages and come across “IRL.” This little abbreviation is an important one to understand because it can help you get a better sense of what your child is up to and what’s going on in their life outside of the virtual world.

For example, if your child says “I’m going to the park IRL,” they’re letting the person they’re communicating with know that they’re leaving the virtual world and going to a real-life park. This can give you a better understanding of what your child is up to and what they’re doing with their time.

So, when trying to decode your child’s messages, keep an eye out for “IRL.” By understanding what it means, you’ll have a better idea of what your child is up to and what’s going on in their life outside of the digital world. Whether they’re playing games with friends, chatting online, or just trying to get their point across, “IRL” is a simple and efficient way for your child to communicate what’s happening in their real life.

PixelatedDad

Dr. Chris Spencer, better known as PixelatedDad, is a retro gaming enthusiast and self-proclaimed geek who’s a few pixels short of a full sprite. Despite his age, he’s young at heart, often immersed in games older than his kids, with the reflexes of a sloth and the aim of a blindfolded monkey—but still determined to save the pixelated princess, one clumsy jump at a time. Beyond gaming, Chris is a distinguished computer scientist with a doctorate, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (FRAS), and a member of the Sherwood Observatory and the Planetary Society. As a Dark Sky Ambassador, he’s passionate about preserving the natural night sky and reducing light pollution. Chris is also a husband, proud dad of two sets of twins (#TwinsTwice), and a multitasker extraordinaire who balances coding, stargazing, 3D printing, and snuggling his loyal sidekick, Doggo McStuffin. Whether he’s gaming, championing dark skies, or exploring the cosmos, life for Chris is a journey worth every pixel.