Common sense or common rudeness? The gen z stare explained
If you haven't heard of it (or been on the receiving end of it), it's when a member of generation Z, approximately those born between the mid-nineties and late 2000s, respond to a question (usually from a gen X or millennial) with a blank stare or confused and irritated look.
It's most often used by those in customer service roles, including retail workers, restaurant servers and bartenders, in response to being approached by customers who attempt small talk, have a request or ask a seemingly simple question that may have an obvious answer.
Videos on TikTok defending criticism of the look allege its the behaviour of customers and coworkers that prompts the blank stare.
In one video posted to TikTok, user 'Maddy' shows a clip of her working in a pizza shop with the caption ''The Gen Z stare is so rude' You just asked me if we sell pizza.'
If you've ever worked in a customer facing role, then you probably share Maddy's pain.
Some online have pointed out that it is a response to the lack of social skills developed by this particular generation, who have grown up in a world increasingly dominated by screen-time interactions, not to mention a global pandemic that had them shuttered inside for a couple of years.
TikTok user Amy Halldin has another theory.
She points out that millennials are used to the 'millennial preformative politeness', where they have a need to feel comfortable and make others feel comfortable too, something gen Z deems unnecessary.
'They have no interest in making you feel comfortable,' the TikTok user mentioned, 'their silence is their response.'
Others say, it's just rude.
One person's good manners and small talk is another person's waste of time.
Which generation has the right idea? We all have our opinions.
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Reality behind ‘insane' op shop trend
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News.com.au
5 days ago
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‘Have a problem?': Gen Z are freaking people out with their staring habit
Have you ever walked into a store and asked a young worker a question only to be met with a blank look? Or maybe you have been in a meeting and felt like you were being silently judged by a younger colleague? You may have experienced the infamous Gen Z stare. The viral phenomenon is categorised by a prolonged, unwavering gaze that can look like disinterest, or even disapproval, and is usually given in response to a question or request. The expression has taken social media by storm, sparking a much wider conversation about its implications and how it is perceived between the different generations. Older generations have been sharing their own encounters with the 'stare', branding it bizarre and, in many cases, downright rude. However, Gen Zers have been quick to defend themselves, claiming the blank look some in their generation choose to wear is simply the result of people asking ridiculous questions that don't deserve a response. There are many situations where one might be met with the Gen Z stare, but one setting where young people should be wary of applying this pointed tactic is the workplace. Rebecca Houghton, middle management expert and author of Impact: 10 Ways to Level Up Your Leadership, warned this is one tactic young workers should be avoiding at all costs. 'Every generation shakes things up at work and pushes boundaries. Gen Z is no different. But if your go-to move is the Gen Z stare, you might want to find a better strategy,' she told 'Young people usually don't have authority at work, so they need to work out how to influence without it. Silence and staring aren't the answer.' Ms Houghton has experienced the Gen Z stare at work first-hand, so she understands the different ways in which is can be interpreted by the receiver – none of them very positive. 'As a manager, a few thoughts escalate through your mind pretty quickly. Are they listening? Do they understand? Do they care? Do they have a problem?' she said. Being perceived as authentic and real is something many Gen Zers value, which may be one explanation for why so many people in the younger generation have adopted the stare in response to situations or questions they deem unreasonable. However, Ms Houghton noted there is a 'big difference' between being authentic and being absent. For young employees who want to be taken seriously, particularly by those in leadership positions, the workplace expert said it's important to show you are 'in the conversation', even if you are challenging what is being said. 'Instead of the Gen Z stare, stay engaged. Ask a clarifying question. Use neutral language to challenge a decision, set a boundary or buy time,' she said. 'If Gen Z wants to shift workplace norms, and I believe it's inevitable they will), they'll have more impact by learning to navigate the system strategically, not just rejecting it outright. 'You don't need to people-please, but you do need to participate.'
