18-07-2025
Common sense or common rudeness? The gen z stare explained
There is a debate heating up online about the 'gen Z stare'.
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.
