RealLife is used to suggest that someone should step away from their computer, go outside, or engage with the real world instead of spending too much time online or in chat. It's essentially a visual representation of the phrase 'touch grass' - a humorous way to tell someone they need to disconnect from the internet and experience actual reality. The emote depicts the mundane, everyday world that exists outside of gaming and streaming.
Origin
The RealLife emote originates from the popular horror game 'The Stanley Parable' and features a scene showing a silhouetted figure sitting at a desk in front of a window with a gray, mundane office environment. The emote was created to represent the concept of 'touching grass' or returning to reality outside of the internet and gaming. It gained popularity on Twitch and various emote platforms like BetterTTV and 7TV around 2020-2021 as part of the broader 'touch grass' meme culture that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when people spent excessive time online.
When to use
When someone admits to spending an excessive amount of time watching streams or playing games
In response to someone displaying extremely online behavior or taking internet drama too seriously
When chat members joke about their own lack of outdoor activity or social interaction
As a playful jab at viewers who are clearly too invested in stream content
During discussions about unhealthy gaming or viewing habits
When someone shares they haven't left their house in days
