The Gen Z Stare: A Viral Trend Sparking Intergenerational Debate

This viral ‘Gen Z stare’ trend is dividing generations. Here’s why!

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The Gen Z Stare A Viral Trend Sparking Intergenerational Debate
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A simple video posted by 23-year-old Valerie Jefferson on TikTok has unintentionally ignited a firestorm of debate between Gen Z and Millennials. Her video, which introduced viewers to the “Gen Z stare,” has gained over three million views and prompted heated discussions in the comments section.

What Is the Gen Z Stare?

The “Gen Z stare” has quickly become a viral trend on social media. Initially, Jefferson described it as a blank look, often seen from younger generations in customer-facing roles, like retail or dining, when handling frustrating or absurd requests.

The stare has sparked a variety of interpretations. Some believe it represents a more significant societal shift, reflecting a rejection of old social norms—like the idea that “the customer is always right.” “The Gen Z stare is basically us saying the customer is not always right,” said 19-year-old content creator Efe Ahworegba, whose video on the subject has earned 11 million views.

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A Clash of Generations

The viral video created a battleground for generational arguments. Many Millennials took to the comments to voice their frustration, accusing Gen Z of rudeness and entitlement. Meanwhile, Gen Z-ers defended themselves, arguing that the stare is a reflection of frustration or a desire to disengage from unnecessary interactions.

Riley Despot, a 30-year-old Millennial, shared her experience on TikTok, where she encountered the stare from a Gen Z golf instructor. “I was just confused after the interaction,” Despot explained in her video. “Did I do something wrong? Did I not read the social situation right?” Her confusion highlights the divide in expectations between the generations.

The comment section of Jefferson’s video quickly became a battleground for differing viewpoints. Gen Z-ers argued that they weren’t obliged to offer endless pleasantries to customers, especially when those customers weren’t treating them respectfully. At the same time, Millennials expressed frustration with what they perceived as a lack of common courtesy.

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Theories Behind the Stare

The disruption of social rituals and limited face-to-face interaction led to a decline in social skills for many in this generation. “Social skills take thousands and thousands of hours to develop,” said Jean Twenge, a psychologist and author of Generations. She explains that the reduction in in-person interactions during adolescence might be a factor in the rise of behaviors like the Gen Z stare.

Others point to the increased reliance on technology, such as the ubiquitous use of smartphones, iPads, and social media, as another cause. The constant engagement with digital devices could be shaping how Gen Z interacts with the world around them.

Some, like Jordan MacIsaac, a 24-year-old bartender, believe the stare is more about social anxiety. “It almost feels like a resurgence of stranger danger,” MacIsaac said, noting that younger people may feel uncertain or uncomfortable when interacting with strangers.

A Communication Breakdown?

The Gen Z stare has also led to discussions about the changing dynamics of communication. For some, the stare represents a breakdown in traditional social exchanges. “Giving a simple greeting can change the interaction,” said Ahworegba, stressing the importance of maintaining some level of engagement, even in challenging work environments.

Brooke Adams, a 28-year-old content creator, suggests that many Gen Z-ers missed out on certain aspects of high school life because of the pandemic, including developing social skills that were once honed through casual interactions. She speculates that this gap in experiences could lead to difficulties in engaging in small talk or even offering simple pleasantries like “thank you.”

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