The “Gen Z stare” — a blank, wide-eyed expression — has ignited discussion and intrigue across generations. While some Gen Zers deny its existence, others say they’ve seen or even done it, knowingly or not.
Theories range from social media habits and pandemic isolation to THC use. Some argue it’s just Gen Z’s more casual communication style, not a sign of rudeness.
As the discourse unfolds, one thing is clear: what millennials see as awkward silence, Gen Z may simply view as normal.
@talking2myphone Ngl I always leave restaurants when I get the gen z stare of a waiter at the front 😭 #GenZStare
What Gen Z Says About It
On TikTok, many Gen Zers (generally aged 13 to 28), say the stare comes from being caught off guard or simply uninterested in responding to what they see as pointless questions.
“I don’t think it’s a lack of social skills. I just think we don’t care,” said one TikTok creator and Gen Zer.
@jetty._wetty Some ppl make you question reality #genzstare #genz #customers
“I was talking to my family today, and they were like, ‘You have done it before. I get it. Sometimes I just zone out in the conversation, and I’m just staring at them,” one Gen Zer told Business Insider.
Intentionally or unintentionally, it’s indicative of a generational divide in communication.
“I think it’s just a tactic to avoid the most drama in the situation so you don’t end up antagonizing the other person or exhausting yourself trying to explain something over and over again,” one 18-year-old told She Knows.
Social Cues Are Changing
For many Gen Zers, the expectation to make eye contact, smile, and nod through small talk feels performative. Silence isn’t necessarily tension. A blank look doesn’t always mean someone is confused or tuned out. Sometimes, it’s just thinking in real time — without rushing to perform interest.
This style is less about awkwardness and more about transparency. It’s an unfiltered, even minimalist way of interacting that strips away pleasantries and replaces them with something that feels more real.
How This Affects the Workplace
Gen Z is entering the workforce in large numbers, and they’re not adjusting to old norms just to fit in. They bring new expectations to the table: less small talk, more substance; less rigid hierarchy, more transparency; less “how are you?” for the sake of it, more “what’s the point?”
That will reshape everything from how meetings are run to how performance is evaluated. In environments where personality and charisma have traditionally carried weight, Gen Z’s quiet clarity may stand out even more.
What Employers Need to Know
Managers who interpret this communication style as passive or disengaged risk missing out on what Gen Z actually brings: clear thinking, directness, and an ability to cut through noise.
Creating space for this generation doesn’t mean lowering the bar for communication — it means broadening our understanding of what engaged, effective communication can look like. That might involve:
- Replacing icebreakers and chit-chat with purpose-driven check-ins
- Offering asynchronous communication options
- Training managers to spot quiet engagement, not just verbal enthusiasm
- Building feedback systems that support different communication styles
What’s clear is that Gen Z isn’t following a script, and as their presence grows in professional spaces, their communication style — stare and all — is likely to become a bigger part of the new normal, even if it is “cringe.”
