chat standoff
what often happens when two people are partaking in an instant messaging conversation. one person begins to type but then sees the icon that represents the other person is typing. this causes them to stop in an attempt to let the other person enter what they were typing. however, the other person notices that the first person was typing and also stops typing. thus, both people stop typing because they anticipate the other person will say something. chat standoff can often lead to extended moments of virtual silence and awkwardness that neither party enjoys.
guy 1: so i talked to tiffany on aim last night.
guy 2: how'd that go?
guy 1: terrible. we got caught in chat standoff and didn't say anything for half an hour.
guy 2: how'd that go?
guy 1: terrible. we got caught in chat standoff and didn't say anything for half an hour.