Yes, especially when they need to defend a nazi they know in real life.

Back in the day it was... "Oh... They are not actually like that."

Or "What they actually meant was...."

Or "They are such a jokester"

For example, we saw that a lot out of boomers and silent gen folks leading up to Trump's first election. Quite a bit of dismissive language over behavior that should have caused him to be removed from candidacy.

Not to make it political... But that's just a quick example that came to mind.

I have a friend like this. Absolutely vile on Facebook, but a decent person in RL. But I know that the online him is how he really is.