The Gen Z stare: Why it's driving older generations crazy
As a mother to a tween daughter I've come to know 'that look' all too well.
You know the one: you're in the middle of asking a question or trying to start a meaningful conversation, and in response, you're met with a blank, expressionless stare. No nod, no blink, no grunt. Just silence. I find it infuriating.
At first, I thought it was teenage attitude, but it turns out this vacant expression has a name; the 'Gen Z stare', and it's driving not only parents, but managers and colleagues across workplaces, absolutely mad.
It's the latest generational behaviour to catch attention on social media, particularly TikTok, and it's fast becoming one of the most talked-about frustrations in multigenerational offices.
The 'Gen Z stare' refers to the blank, often unreadable facial expression many young adults give in social interactions, particularly when face-to-face communication is expected.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
SnAPSA reminds Bombani residents that they are not forgotten
The Bombani Shelter for abused women and children in Alexandra became a sanctuary of hope as Southern Africa Partners (SnAPSA) hosted a day filled with compassion and thoughtfully selected donations on July 17. For survivors grappling with the effects of abuse, the event served as a reminder that they are not forgotten. Tsholofelo Sekati, the shelter's manager, reflected on the significance of the visit, noting that it reaffirms the presence of Ubuntu in the community. She added that the visit also addressed one of the issues they often grapple with in the civil society space—the feeling of loneliness. Read more: SnAPSA and retailers step up with donations to Bombani Shelter 'With all the social ills that are going on, we tend to feel alone most of the time. We often feel like our efforts are futile. So, days like these are a reminder that we are not alone.' SnAPSA's initiative was filled with activities designed to uplift and donations tailored to the residents' needs. Sekati praised the intentionality behind the contributions. She shared that SnAPSA thought carefully about what the women and children at the shelter need, not just to ease their burdens but to bring moments of joy. Additionally, she emphasised that selecting items from one's possessions, with the belief that someone else will find value in them, is a deep act of care, which they at Bombani Shelter appreciate. 'This ensures that our clients always feel like there is a community that cares for them. They might be facing challenges in their relationship with their loved ones, but there are people out there who are thinking about them and care for them and their well-being.' Rabeka Silinda, a social worker with SnAPSA, noted that the visit was timed ahead of Mandela Day to offer meaningful support. She explained that people at the shelter sometimes feel alone and like the world has forgotten about them. 'We came to say that 'you are loved, and you matter,'' she shared. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Fact vs fiction: Viral lion video an AI-generated clip
A video of a lion walking into a South African supermarket and helping itself to massive steaks on the shelves has been debunked as fake. The video clip has been shared widely across several social media platforms, garnering millions of views from all sides of the world. However, fact checking NGO Africa Check earlier this week confirmed that the video is, in fact, an AI-generated clip. The video has been made in such a way that it appears to be CCTV footage, and shows a massive male lion entering a supermarket and devouring meat from the shelves. According to Africa Check's full story, while numerous social media accounts have shared the video as legitimate footage, the original TikTok video carries the label: 'Creator labelled as AI generated'. While the initial parts of the video could pass as real, about halfway through, the meat appears decidedly fake. Watch the original video here: Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
SnAPSA spreads love and hope at Bombani Shelter
Southern Africa Partners (SnAPSA) recently visited Bombani Shelter, a haven for women and children affected by abuse, to spend a day filled with laughter, games, and generous donations. According to SnAPSA's Amu Macheke, the initiative was about more than just giving; it was about uplifting, affirming, and reminding every woman and child at the shelter that they are not alone. She reflected on the importance of the visit, noting that they were there to support the residents. Read more: Indoda Wednesday dialogue focuses on men's health and substance abuse 'Many of the women who arrive at Bombani have come from deeply vulnerable situations. This shelter is a safe space for them, and we wanted to spend the day showing that they are important, valued, and special.' The SnAPSA team played games and engaged in deep conversations with the women and children. Every moment was crafted to offer support, healing, and joy. The team engaged the shelter's residents in the classic telephone game, where a whispered message travels down a line and transforms by the time it reaches the end. While fun on the surface, the game carried a deeper meaning. Mentor at SnAPSA, Zamashasha Hlengwa, drew parallels between the game and real-life gossip. 'Look at how the message changes—this mirrors how rumours evolve. It reminds us not to take everything we hear at face value or participate in spreading rumours.' She also connected the lesson to bullying, especially among young girls who feel excluded or targeted. One child bravely shared how painful it is to be sidelined, affirming the emotional weight these social dynamics carry. Another mentor, Sifiso Matshobana, addressed how damaging gossip can be to one's confidence. 'Some kids withdraw, believing everyone knows what was said about them. That isolation robs them of opportunities. You have to push through, live, and not let gossip keep you isolated.' Beyond the games, SnAPSA mentors held open discussions on identity, mental health, and self-worth. Hlengwa spoke poignantly about the role of the environment in shaping young people's self-perception. She emphasised that thoughts matter, noting that even when situations don't change immediately, positive thinking can reshape how people experience them. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
