It's true that online trends don't always translate to the real world, but I have seen instances of almost every other one translating to in person interactions, usually by overly-aggressive watchdog types who aren't the affected party but feel justified in policing some sort of behavioral norm.

So I think we're only sort-of-agreeing. The internet is not wholly some sort of pretend alternate universe that has no influence on the rest of the world, but neither is it an accurate reflection of the rest of the world.