Majority of people ain't on social media either. Well, they may be lurking or registered at most, but won't post or comment much if at all.
And then there's a portion of nice people who will befriend you and then use for their benefit.
And then there's one's own bias. When traveling, at a random city in foreign country you'll probably pick a bar accordingly, skip heated topics and distance yourself from people that may cause trouble. Meanwhile engagement-driven interwebs make sure you meet such people and keep discussing.
And then there's a portion of nice people who will befriend you and then use for their benefit.
And then there's one's own bias. When traveling, at a random city in foreign country you'll probably pick a bar accordingly, skip heated topics and distance yourself from people that may cause trouble. Meanwhile engagement-driven interwebs make sure you meet such people and keep discussing.