People may act differently when they meet in person after talking online for a long time due to several reasons:
Anonymity and reduced social pressure online: Online interactions often provide a sense of anonymity and distance, which can make people feel more comfortable expressing themselves and being more open. They might feel less self-conscious and worry less about immediate social judgments.
Idealized self-presentation: In online conversations, individuals may have the opportunity to carefully craft their messages and present themselves in a more favorable light. They can edit their responses, choose what information to share, and highlight certain aspects of their personality, leading to an idealized self-presentation that may not fully reflect their real-life self.
Absence of nonverbal cues: Online communication usually lacks nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These cues play a crucial role in understanding emotions and intentions. When meeting in person, the absence of these cues can lead to surprises or misinterpretations of the other person's behavior.
Higher expectations: After spending a long time communicating online, individuals may develop high expectations about the other person's personality and character. When meeting in person, these expectations may not always align with reality, leading to feelings of disappointment or surprise.
Nervousness or social anxiety: Meeting in person can be nerve-wracking, especially if the online relationship has been significant. Nervousness or social anxiety may cause people to act differently from how they do online, as they might be more reserved or unsure about how to behave in real-life interactions.
Real-life context: Online conversations often occur in a somewhat artificial context, focusing solely on the exchange of information or emotions. Real-life interactions involve a broader range of experiences and situations that can influence behavior differently.
Contextual differences: The setting and environment in which people meet in person can significantly impact their behavior. The dynamics of a face-to-face meeting can be quite distinct from those in online conversations, leading to differences in how individuals express themselves and interact.
It's essential to recognize that people's behavior may change when transitioning from online to in-person interactions, and this isn't necessarily a negative thing. The shift can be a natural adjustment to new circumstances. Being understanding, open-minded, and empathetic when meeting someone in person after an online relationship can help create a smoother and more authentic transition for both individuals involved.