'Gen Z stare'? Millennials, your boomer trauma is showing.
The " Gen Z stare" is supposedly the blank look Gen Zers give when they're asked a question or faced with a situation they don't know how to respond to. Most of the debate hinges on Gen Zers working customer service roles, like hostessing at restaurants or taking orders at coffee shops.
I'm skeptical that the "Gen Z stare" is even real (though maybe I'm biased, since I am a Gen Zer), but let's suppose that it is. There are plenty of possible explanations for this gap in manners that my cohort is supposedly showing. Moreover, it's ironic that millennials are diagnosing their Gen Z counterparts in much the same way boomers diagnosed and pathologized them.
Millennials, are you sure you're not just becoming your parents?
It's not me — it's society!
We've been called the loneliest generation, the anxious generation, and the most rejected generation. Our workplace habits have been picked apart by boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials we work with, whether it's the clothes we wear, the things we talk about, or even the words we use.
So maybe the "Gen Z stare" is just a problem of your own making, dear elder coworkers. If we know you're going to pick apart our response anyway, why wouldn't we pause to make sure we're saying the right thing?
We're also a generation that's used to being surveilled, thanks to social media. If it's true that the "Gen Z stare" is a product of our chronic online-ness, we should ask in response: Who set that system up? Who put the phones in our hands and made it so hard to turn away, such that we're struggling to form human connections? I'm not talking about our parents, but about the older tech founders whose contributions have bred those unpleasant side effects — founders like Mark Zuckerberg, a millennial.
Besides, there are other reasons beyond our control for why we're underequipped with soft skills. Those of us who were in college during the pandemic worked through remote classes, internships, and other virtual gigs. Our first in-person roles were the jobs we landed right after graduation; we didn't have the opportunity to build up professional etiquette before that. God forbid we're a little shy.
Gen Zers are also facing high unemployment and underemployment, which means we're working jobs that don't require our degrees. Even computer science grads, who were told that their area of study was a surefire path to financial stability during their teen and early adult years, are struggling to get jobs as the tech career ladder folds up. Can you blame your 22-year-old barista for not being thrilled about working a café job right out of college?
Let's unite the youth
I don't want to therapy-speak too much — as I know my cohort is wont to do — but perhaps this is an instance of millennials inflicting their own boomer-bred trauma upon the generation below them. It wasn't so long ago that your own boomer coworkers complained about your supposed softness, entitlement, and avocado toast spending habits.
Poking a little fun across generations and hand-wringing about the youth is nothing new. But hey, punching down isn't the answer. As it happens, younger people — and that includes you, millennials — can do pretty impressive things when we're united. As a bloc, we have the power to create recession-resistant market sectors and challenge workplace norms. We're pretty aligned on wanting our workplaces to treat us like people instead of cogs.
There is some truth mixed into the "Gen Z stare" debate about my generation's lack of social wares, but that didn't happen in a vacuum. Boomers couldn't comprehend the harder hand you'd been dealt when you were our age, either. Gen Z deserves a little slack here.
Don't get me started on Gen Alpha, though.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
Sex Workers Share Biggest Client Surprises
Sex workers deal with every conceivable emotion and type of client. However, this doesn't mean they are immune to being surprised by their clients' habits, behaviors, and attitudes... That's why when Redditor u/bannedbooks123 asked, "People who have done sex work, what is something that surprised you?" current and former sex workers took to the comments to share the surprising moments in their careers that left them speechless. From conservative clients to emotional deprivation — here are 17 of their most enlightening responses: "A lot of conservative and Christian men are secretly gay, bi, and into 'humiliation' kinks — yes, even your elected officials." "What surprised me most is that men who have paid for my services have been more respectful than men I have dated." "ONLINE: The young guys love me as a 40-year-old. I have so many Gen Z clients. "I'm a male escort in Japan: Many of my clients are ridiculously attractive, like I wouldn't have thought twice about paying for them. But, they're married to men who have zero interest in them for whatever reason." "That some requests aren't weird, but the specificity makes them weirder. I have a regular who requests five photos of the exact same poses, down to very specific things like how my hands and fingers should be positioned, but in a new outfit each time." "How lonely and emotionally deprived men are. When I was a stripper, this 80-year-old man came in and asked me for a lap dance. When we got to the back, he said, 'I don't want you to grind on me. Just give me a hug.'" "Every client thinks the girls are there for money, being trafficked, etc. But some girls are there only for fun (or public health research, yes, there's one who does that)." "How many of my clients seemed to be addicted to the act of engaging in sex with sex workers. It was almost impossible for some of them to stop, even at the risk of losing their families/homes/jobs. It's definitely another form of addiction." "My friend is a sex worker, they said the most surprising thing is how quickly men can go from having sex with you to 'post-nut clarity' that makes them absolutely furious AT YOU because of what they just did." "I used to offer the 'girlfriend experience' online, and some of my clients were widowers or lonely office workers. I would sext and send them audio messages as if I were their girlfriend: asking if they had eaten, giving them encouragement, and reminding them about appointments. I was clear from the beginning (and it was listed all over my page) that I was playing a character." "I literally can't be bothered to put in effort to have sex or be in a relationship anymore. I haven't shaved my legs and privates, put on makeup, or even had sex since I left the industry three years ago." "I've never done sex work in the usual way. I've only made online content. Something that surprised me was the sheer number of views, positive interactions, and messages I've had." "Just how much hatred there is of sex workers in the media. I hate watching most American sitcoms because of their portrayal of sex work, but it's in almost every TV show you can think of. It's socially acceptable to speak about sex workers as if they're dirty or not human. You can't avoid the stigma because it's everywhere." "I've been an escort for thirteen years, and a lot of things have shocked me. One surprise was how blue-collar/working-class men tip generously, while rich men will try to haggle or short your pay." "That men often have money for sex workers that they don't have for their girlfriends/wives" "It taught me just how awful men can be — some women, too." "No one prepared me for being found by a client in real life." Did any of these stories surprise you? Current and former sex workers, what is something about sex work or your clients that shocked you? Tell us in the comments or answer anonymously using the form below! If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Newsweek
Gen Z Males 3 Times More Likely Than Boomers to Prioritize 'Dominance'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Gen Z males were three times more likely to prioritize "dominance" than baby boomers in a new study by consumer insights platform GWI. Males from the Gen Z population—ages 13 to 28—ranked as more traditional in several of their ratings. While 71 percent of male baby boomers said "caring" is a quality men should possess, just 43 percent of Gen Zers said the same. That was the lowest rating of any generation. Why It Matters Gen Z is navigating a largely unforeseen dating scene, growing up in a world where dating is often conducted by apps, and algorithms may decide the fate of who your partner is. The rise of "manosphere" content creators like Andrew Tate has also preached the importance of being an "alpha male," while encouraging disrespect and even sometimes violence toward women in the process. The shifting views on masculinity and dating could have long-standing ramifications, especially as many women are simultaneously frustrated over dating in the modern age. An AppsFlyer survey from last year found a whopping 65 percent of dating apps get deleted within just a month. And of those who uninstall the apps, 90 percent do it within a week. A 13-year-old boy looks at an iPhone screen on May 26 in Penzance, England. A 13-year-old boy looks at an iPhone screen on May 26 in Penzance, To Know In the new GWI report, Gen Z males consistently showed a preference for what's largely seen as "traditional" gender roles, more so than their baby boomer elders. While Gen Z males were nearly three times more likely than boomers to prioritize "dominance" as a key trait, at 23 percent versus 8 percent, they also valued strength more than older generations. The priority of "strength" as a trait declined with age across the generations, as 52 percent of Gen Z males said it was the most valued trait. That was compared to 51 percent of male millennials, 46 percent of Gen X and 44 percent for boomers. "The biggest biological reason that baby boomer men are less likely to prioritize, dominance and strength, and more likely to prioritize caring, has to do with the fact that their testosterone has gone down," Dr. Wendy Walsh, relationship expert from DatingAdvice, told Newsweek. "Thank goodness! Men over 60 are the sweetest gentlest men. It's wonderful to see. Gen Z men might prioritize dominance partly because their testosterone is raging." However, there are also social and psychological factors at play, Walsh added. "Baby boomers are fathers and grandfathers. They've spent their days slaying dragons and now want to spend time nurturing the things that are very good for their health, their friends and family," Walsh said. "As for those Gen Z men, many of them have lost their 'place' in society, as women are surging ahead in education and economics. Rather than understanding that masculinity can be correlated with caring and nurturing, they may be attempting to assert their masculinity through dominance in reaction to women's perceived strength." Across the board, males had traditional views toward what women should act like, with the top three traits they think women should possess being "caring" (61 percent), "gentle" (52 percent) and "nurturing" (52 percent). Females, meanwhile, valued confidence and independence as the top traits in women, at 68 percent and 63 percent. And the traits females valued in men differed dramatically from what males valued in themselves, GWI found. Across generations, the top qualities females valued in men were being caring (62 percent), confident (56 percent) and empathetic (55 percent). While 57 percent of males also viewed confidence as the top quality for men, Gen Z males especially valued more traditional, tough traits in men. "The data reveals an important shift in mindsets, and in some cases a reversal, in how different generations view gender roles," Chris Beer, data journalist at GWI, said in a statement. "While many women are embracing confidence and independence, young men are being drawn toward traditional ideas of masculinity, placing a greater importance on strength and dominance compared to older generations. What People Are Saying Hallie Kritsas, licensed mental health counselor with Thriveworks, told Newsweek: "It may seem surprising to some that male Gen Z individuals are leaning into more traditional traits such as dominance and strength, and may be doing so even more than male Boomers. However, this reflects deeper uncertainty. We are in a world of shifting roles, and so many younger men are searching for identity and control. These young men are often doing so without strong models of healthy masculinity, which might lead them to fall back on 'outdated ideas.'" Walsh also told Newsweek: "I think Gen Z men may want to see a return to traditional gender roles so that they can recapture some sense of "lost" male identity rather than evolve into the new masculine man, that is one who is caring, nurturing and emotionally attuned." What Happens Next The Gen Z males who prioritize dominance above all else might reflect their own insecurity and confusion, Kritsas said, adding, "As a result, we are seeing a generation of examples that are struggling to reconcile emotional vulnerability, such as being caring, gentle, and nurturing, with a culture that still rewards power."
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Buzz Feed
31 Modern Home Design Trends That Non-Millennials Hate
As someone who's fantasized about owning my own house for many years, I absolutely love talking about home design trends. But us Gen Z'ers are sort of unlucky, because we're all kinda struggling to afford a house right now. And that leaves LOTS of time for us to admire and judge millennials' home design choices, since many of them are homeowners now. So recently, we talked about some millennial home design trends that Gen Z simply can't understand — maybe they're nonsensical, or just plain ugly — and the BuzzFeed Community responded with tons more examples! So let's go through them, shall we? "I hate when I walk into the front door and you literally walk right into the living room. There's no closet and no entranceway; just the living room. I need a buffer between the entrance and the rest of the house." "Freestanding 'sculptural' bathtubs. Very tricky to get in and out, and you have to figure out how to clean around them. An in-law put one in and immediately regretted it. I think they store towels in it now." "I really hate serving windows between the kitchen and the living room. It's like an indoor window, but just leave the wall there." "I love looking at those home renovation articles that show the before and after of rooms, and I keep seeing the pink and green kitchens everywhere. It's always hideous." "Gold fixtures through out the house. Sorry, but it's tacky and will go out of style quickly. Stick with timeless metals. "I hate all white cabinetry; it makes me think I'm in a hospital or laboratory. What ever happened to beautiful wood?" "I hate it when there's nothing but white in a house and no other color. Like the whole 'modernism' white, grey, and black. It makes my skin crawl, because I grew up being unable to paint the walls in houses, and every room was the same eggshell, white, or cream color. It was awful." "Chandeliers — everywhere. I once visited a friend's new house, and she only had chandeliers in the dining room. But then, because of this trend started by entitled children on social media, she started putting them in the bedrooms. She had a dining-room-sized chandelier in her closet, too. The lighting is too soft. The whole purpose of chandeliers in dining rooms is soft lighting and ambiance. I think it's a trend that long outlived its attraction." "Kitchens that are in the corner of a room, like a living or dining room — hate this! I like a separate room for a kitchen." "Granite and quartz countertops. It has never made sense to me — the amount of waste that goes into these countertops, and the effort it takes to maintain them. Instead, you could make a reasonable copy with concrete or resin and be able to change out the style with minimal effort and cost." "Not having medicine cabinets and no doors on bathrooms. Especially bad if there are two of you getting up at different times." "The beige look. It looks so soulless and zero effort. Nothing is interesting anymore, and when I drive past places that used to be colorful, I feel sad. There's beige or white paint covering the once-patterned walls. Kids' toys don't have color anymore, it's just beige or white." "I hate gray floors. They're dated and not at all attractive." "Thin metal on furniture. Like these tiny little TV antenna legs are gonna hold this dining table and plates at the same time. Do you really think those spindly little chair legs made from chromium steel are gonna hold a 150-pound person? They don't look like they could hold grandma's knitting, let alone grandma. And for the love of dustbuster, stop putting those stupid metal tubes on the corners of everything!" "Vinyl flooring, especially when natural. Replace it with true wood! I live in a house where the previous owners 'renovated' the bathroom (that's another rant of its own), including adding gray vinyl flooring, and I hate it! Stepping out onto cold vinyl is soooo uncomfortable." "Super high ceilings. Why would you want to feel like you live in a warehouse? I'll take an old house with an 8-foot ceiling any day." "It drives me ABSOLUTELY INSANE when people think that 'industrial style' homes are nice. It's concrete EVERYWHERE, metals, ZERO COLOR, naked light bulbs and fixtures, and NOTHING is cozy and cushy like a home should be. It's not a home — it's a concrete structure with a bed and kitchen." "The half shower door. All the heat and steam from the shower is gone. Plus, the no door to the bathroom from the bedroom. No privacy. What idiot came up with the open bathroom concept???" "Every designer uses white couches and furniture! People have to live there…so impractical." "Area rugs are a fall risk, and not just for seniors. I had them in most of my homes, but that's in the past." "The lack of an entry foyer at front door to take dirty or muddy shoes and coats off. Plus save air conditioning." "Shiplap on everything. I think it's going to wind up like the wood paneling back in the 1960s." "When the kitchen sink is on a huge island facing the living area!" "Popcorn ceilings; it's cheap and grotesque-looking, and you have to worry about asbestos." "Laundry in a hallway needs an actual space or room with a big, deep sink." "I'm, like, the last Gen Z to exist, and I hate, hate, hate, hate, HATE the need people feel to have exposed brick interiors, Especially painted. — it's a big no-no, and, honestly, the biggest mistake I've ever seen. It's 2025: the future. Stop with the whole brick-on-brick-on-brick thing, please!" "Soft, squishy floors. They scream cheap construction." "The lack of garages. I hate conversions leaving no cover to protect vehicles." "Round windows anywhere in the house. Also, turrets. Round things." "When the powder room is close to the front entrance, or adjacent to the kitchen. Just gross! What if a guest mistakes it for a closet door 😱" "Wire shelves in closets and pantries. Things like cans, bottles, and purses constantly tip over." Now, time to share your thoughts! What's a modern home design trend you absolutely can't stand? Write your response in this anonymous form, or in the comments below! And make sure you check out BuzzFeed Canada on on Instagram and TikTok for more!
