Gen Z stare

The Gen Z stare is a phrase coined by social media users to describe a "blank stare that members of younger generations give in situations where a verbal response would be more common".^[2] Kalhan Rosenblatt of NBC News says, "[w]hile there are several definitions for the stare, the most common meaning is a vacant expression a Gen Zer gives in response to a question. The stare occurs in classrooms, restaurants, at work and more settings."^[1] The term "Gen Z stare" garnered widespread coverage in the mainstream media in July 2025.^[a]

According to Dani Di Placido, writing for Forbes, some TikTok users believe that many members of Generation Z have difficulty with small talk and fundamental social courtesies. This is often described as a blank stare that they give to some questions that are asked. Placido also says that according to TikTok users, this stare is most common during customer service interactions.^[3] Similarly, some servers and bartenders have said that their Gen Z customers respond to pleasant questions or pleasant conversation with a long gaze or a "stare" instead of speaking.^[3] Additionally, some TikTokers say that Gen Z employees do not greet customers or complete basic requests and instead return a blank stare.^[3]

In a 2025 New York Times article, one interviewee said the attitude and stare indicate a "complete lack of f***s", adding that the stare has both supporters and detractors.^[2] Generation Z-ers do not agree on an exact definition.^[2]

Professors have reported encountering the stare in college classrooms when trying to elicit engagement from students.^[1]

Regarding the possible root causes of the Gen Z stare, a University of Alabama professor said the look became more prevalent on campus following the COVID-19 lockdowns, noticing an "increasing amount of silence" after asking questions in class.^[1] The stare may be an expression of authentic boredom and resistance to "performative positivity."^[11] Suzy Welch, an NYU business professor, argued the stare could be coming from Zoomers ranking "achievement" as a bottom-tier value, linking the stare to quiet quitting.^[12] While deadpan has been around for generations, the blank stare might also be a reaction to social anxiety developed during the enforced isolation of the COVID pandemic period.^[1] Social isolation during the pandemic led to increased mental health issues for many students, such as anxiety and depression. When offline interactions were scarce, social media filled a socialization gap. The influence of social media has also led to a fear of being judged or "cancelled" online. Not wanting to be "cringe" is additionally a common theme.^[1]

• Describing the Gen Z stare. NBC News. July 2025 – via YouTube.