Latest news with #JeanTwenge
Sky News AU
16-07-2025
- General
- Sky News AU
'Gen-Z stare' goes viral on social media - and why younger generations are blaming COVID lockdowns for the phenomenon
A new viral trend has emerged online that is leaving some older Australians confused as to why they are getting blank stares from young Australians. The so called 'Gen Z' stare involves somebody not responding to or having a reaction to a command or a response when they are spoken to, and according to many social media users, it is a very real phenomenon. Whilst some older people might interpret it as a form of rudeness, Gen Z is disputing it, claiming the stare is a result of the ineptitude of the older generation. One TikToker posted online a video of her working in an ice cream parlour only for the customer to turn her nose at Nutella, whilst another video showed a TikToker in a coffee store getting annoyed at a customer. Some of the comments on the video agreed with her. "It's like they're waiting for the adult in the group to answer for them but they forgot they're the adults now," one user named Leon Vergara said. Another said that vacant stares could be a trait of the autistic spectrum, where a person might not look at a person or avoid eye contact because they are struggling to process the sensory information. "as an autistic person, with many autistic friends who all work is cx service too, I have a rly [really] hard time with keeping my face smiling all day long, especially with all the other loud things in my surroundings, and with small talk intros all the time while also doing my work well. covid during my years right after high school made me miss out on the college experience ðŸ˜' and my social skills are so bad now. Another said "Fellow sociologist here. Yes, absolutely. People say, 'Covid is over!" The repercussions of it have JUST begun." Social experts believe the reason for the lack of emotion from Gen Z is because of the lack of social communication that took place during COVID lockdowns. Jean Twenge, the author of Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents — And What They Mean for America's Future told the New York Times Gen Zers had lost vital skills that many have already had. 'Social skills take thousands and thousands of hours to develop, and adolescence is a critical period for developing social skills,' she said. Tam Keur, a self-help author told Huffington Post she believes the lack of emotion comes from the fact that Gen Z has grown up in the online world. 'We're the first generation to grow up with our faces constantly on display in selfies, stories, video calls, with everything being scrutinized online,' she explained.
New York Post
12-07-2025
- General
- New York Post
Gen Z singles giving up on dating as ‘loneliness epidemic' spirals: poll
Burned out by ghosting, mixed signals and endless 'situationships,' young singles are calling it quits on dating — no longer holding out for a fairytale ending that never texts back. 'We're single because we're out here looking for '90s love in this generation,' one fed-up TikToker declared. 'We want slow jams, handwritten notes and phone calls on landlines . . . not 'what are you doing' texts followed by eight hours of silence.' A new Rasmussen Reports poll of more than 1,200 American adults shows 37% of singles under 30 say they're not interested in dating, with half of all singles saying they're not even looking. 3 Gen Z is increasingly reluctant to date, with 37% of singles under 30 saying they're not interested in a relationship. Home-stock – Even the apps can't keep love alive: only 33% of singles have ever used one, and nearly a third of those say they've logged off for good. Democrats were the most likely to be single and not looking, with 49% opting out, while Republicans were more likely to be married and off the apps entirely, with 59% reporting they were hitched, the poll found. That trend shifts by age and gender: among singles under 40, men were more likely than women to say they're not interested in dating, at 39% compared to 30% — a reversal of older age groups, where women were more likely to opt out. The findings mirror a broader hesitation around dating itself, as more young adults question whether it's worth the time, energy or emotional cost. 'Gen Z is pulling back from romantic relationships overall, not just marriage,' said Dr. Jean Twenge, author of 'Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents — and What They Mean for America's Future.' 'They are more interested in safety than previous generations . . . and they may see dating as unsafe given its potential for hurt.' In 2000, 80% of U.S. high school seniors had dated in the past year. By 2023, that number had dropped to 45%, according to nationally representative data cited by Twenge. This generational pullback is now part of what researchers call a growing 'loneliness epidemic.' A 2024 study by market research company GlobalWebIndex found 80% of Gen Z respondents said they'd felt lonely in the past year, more than any other generation surveyed. 3 Gen Z doesn't think dating is worth the time or stress and while many may crave intimacy, they don't want endless scrolling or awkward conversations with strangers. oatawa – The 'why' is complex: rising depression rates, a decline in in-person friendships and even easy access to pornography may all be playing a role, Twenge said. But other experts say the shift isn't about giving up on love, just reordering priorities. 'Finding a romantic partner isn't a primary goal — instead, they're prioritizing their mental well-being and dreams for their career,' said Amanda Gesselman, director of sex and relationship science at Many young people may crave intimacy, just not the kind that starts with endless scrolling or awkward conversations with strangers, said Deborah Tannen, a professor of linguistics at Georgetown University. 'They are not comfortable talking to people they don't already know from some natural connection,' Tannen told The Post. 'If their experience of dating is associated with apps, it's easy to understand why many might decide to swear off: too alienating, too much disappointment, too intimidating to put oneself on the line that way.' That discomfort shows up in daily habits, too. 3 In 2000, 80% of U.S. high school seniors had dated in the past year. By 2023, that number had dropped to 45%, according to nationally representative data. Davide Angelini – Some Gen Zers even avoid calling restaurants and prefer to order online, a small example of how communication itself feels riskier to them, Tannen said. On TikTok, the frustration plays out in real time. One post with nearly 300,000 likes read, 'Single because this generation is full of lust, liars and cheaters.' Another viral video, which pulled in more than 800,000 likes, put it more personally: 'Me trying to explain to my friends how I'm literally going to be single forever because dating in this generation is stupid and I'm tired of mfs playing with my time.' Others kept it blunt. 'I'm staying single for the rest of my life,' one user wrote. 'Single because no guy will ever understand me,' another added.
Time Magazine
04-06-2025
- General
- Time Magazine
10 Things to Say When Someone Won't Get Off Their Phone
Trying to talk to someone stuck on their phone is such a universal experience, there's a name for it: 'phubbing,' short for 'phone snubbing,' or ignoring someone in favor of a phone. 'Everyone hates it, but everyone has also done it,' says Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and author of the upcoming book 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. 'When someone phubs you, you feel like you're not important—that whatever is on their phone is more important than you.' Phubbing negatively affects mental health, relationship satisfaction, and overall well-being. That's why it's worth speaking up about digital distraction. 'It's challenging and awkward, but we should be doing this,' Twenge says. 'We need to be confronting this situation.' Here's exactly what to say when the person you're trying to talk to won't get off their phone. 'I've got a group chat that's blowing up right now, but I'd rather talk to you without getting distracted. Can we put our phones away in our bags?' A couple years ago, Twenge heard about a group of women who pushed their phones into the center of the table when they went out to dinner. The first person to reach for her device had to foot the bill. That's a clever approach, Twenge says, but you don't even need to put a financial spin on it: Instead, propose you all drop your phones somewhere out of sight, like in your bags. Twenge likes this phrasing because it isn't accusatory: 'It's a subtle way to get across the message of, 'Hey, we all have stuff going on on our phones, but I want to talk to you right now,'' she says. 'It's a very polite way of saying, 'I want us to focus on this conversation.'' 'Is everything OK?' This question allows for the possibility that there's an emergency—while implying that, if there's not, it would be better to put the phone down. It might feel slightly confrontational, Twenge says, but it's better than snapping at the other person to get off their device. 'You have to find a way to thread that needle of acknowledging that there might be something important going on,' she says. 'But it is a call out.' 'Anything interesting on there you can share with me?' This is a way to get someone talking about what's on their phone—and, as a result, to look up from said device. Do people typically share, or simply take it as a reminder to be more present? 'I've seen it go both ways,' Twenge says. 'Sometimes it's just a text exchange with someone else, but every once in a while, it'll be like, 'Look at this really funny video,' or 'Here's this fun picture somebody sent me.' Either way, the idea is to draw them back into the in-person conversation.' 'Is now a good time to talk, or should I come back when you're done?' This approach is direct but still respectful. It calls attention to the fact that the other person is clearly distracted, without demanding anything from them, says Tessa Stuckey, a therapist and founder of Project LookUp, a nonprofit that helps families build healthier screen habits. 'It gives them autonomy, while also honoring your own needs,' she says. She's found that making her conversation partner aware that she's noticed they're not fully present is often all it takes to prompt a reset. 'I miss you when you're on your phone.' Telling someone you miss them comes from a place of vulnerability, not blame—and Stuckey likes that it's almost guaranteed to tug on your friend's heartstrings. 'You're expressing that the phone is creating distance, and that you want connection,' she says. Plus, it invites empathy: Most people don't realize how their screen use is affecting others until it's pointed out gently. The trick, Stuckey adds, is to say it warmly, with sincerity, so it feels like an emotional nudge rather than a guilt trip. 'Can we take a 10-minute phone break? I really want to catch up.' Asking someone to put their phone away for such a short amount of time is realistic—it's a very doable break, Stuckey says. You're not asking them to disconnect forever; rather, you're inviting a shared moment. 'People are more likely to unplug when there's a clear time boundary and a good reason,' she says. Plus, it's collaborative, almost like you're proposing a team challenge. 'Hey friend, let's reconnect.' Seven years ago, when Seán Killingsworth was in high school, he struggled with excessive screen time so much, he traded his smartphone for a flip phone. It worked—he felt happier and more present—but his peers were still glued to their phones, so he took things a step further and started Reconnect, a group that now hosts phone-free events on college campuses throughout the U.S. Ideally, more opportunities for phone-free socializing would exist. But in lieu of formal options, Killingsworth recommends bringing up the concept to your friends: 'We should try hanging out without our phones sometime.' Talk through why being present with each other matters. Then, the next time you notice your buddies are more focused on Facebook than your face, issue a gentle reminder. 'These moments with you really matter to me.' If you're at dinner with friends, or are spending quality time with a family member you don't get to see often, consider calling attention to the significance of the moment. You could even follow up by adding: 'I'd hate to look back and feel like we missed out because of our screens,' suggests Dr. James Sherer, a psychiatrist who treats addiction and co-editor of the Technological Addictions textbook for the American Psychiatric Association. 'It can be very powerful,' he says, and lead to meaningful improvements in relationship quality. 'I've noticed that when we're together, you're on TikTok quite frequently, and that makes me feel like I'm being ignored.' Focusing on the way someone's phone usage makes you feel can be more effective than "instigatory" comments, Sherer says. You're not going to get very far by barking, 'You're always on TikTok! You don't care about me!' Highlighting your own observations and how someone's behavior makes you feel, however, plants a seed that can encourage them to reevaluate their habits. 'The most important thing is to approach it from a position of being nonjudgmental,' he says. 'You're not there to dog pile on the person.' 'Muskrat!' Stuckey's son was 8 the Christmas morning when he noticed certain family members were paying more attention to their phones than watching him open his presents. He came up with an idea: The family could designate a silly code word they called out every time they wanted to signal it was time to drop the devices and be present in their surroundings. More than five years later, the family still uses their word ('muskrat'). 'What I love about it is my kids can call us out using that word,' Stuckey says. 'We can call them out with that word. They've grown up with it. It makes people check themselves a little bit and say, 'OK, I'll put it down in a moment—I just have to finish this email really quick.''
Straits Times
31-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
‘Adulting 101': Canadian uni offers classes for Gen Zs to learn basic life skills
Swathes of Gen Z-ers are enrolling in 'Adulting 101' - a course designed to teach students day-to-day life skills. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY Which is harder - coding an app from scratch or grocery shopping? Surprisingly, some Gen Zs might argue it's the latter. Gen Z, or Generation Z, refers to those born between 1997 and 2012 . While some are already full-fledged adults, many say t hey still lack essential life skills. To make up for this, the University of Waterloo, a top-ranked institution in Ontario, Canada, has launched 'Adulting 101' - a course designed to teach students day-to-day life skills. On the university's website, the course description reads: 'From managing your finances, grocery shopping, keeping your laundry whites... white, staying organised - there are a lot of important life skills you might have wished you learned sooner.' It is structured around three key areas: prioritising mental and physical well-being, adapting to new responsibilities, and fostering personal growth. There are no reports on the number of students who have enrolled in the course. 'I don't know how to change a tyre. I don't have a car at all. I don't know how to sew. I don't know how to do a lot of things, other than cooking,' Mr Aldhen Garcia confessed on The Current, a radio programme produced by Canadian news outlet CBC News. The freshman at Canada's Toronto Metropolitan University is among many in his generation who share the struggle of navigating adulthood. But why do young people these days need a crash course on what previous generations might deem common sense? According to experts , overprotective parents who are excessively involved in their children's lives may be partly to blame, reported American news outlet CBS News. Gen Zs are also living with their parents for longer periods, taking on lesser responsibilities as their parents manage the household. This prolong s their adolescence while delaying their development, researcher and psychology professor at San Diego State University Jean Twenge said on The Current. 'Kids are growing up less independent. They're less likely to learn how to do adult things as high school students. Then they get to university, and they still don't know,' she said. Her sentiments were echoed by netizens worldwide. Commenting on CBS' TikTok account, one said: 'If someone is 20 and can't do laundry, personally, I blame it on the parents.' Beyond household chores, financial literacy is also a major concern for many in that generation, and one of the key skills they hope to gain by enrolling in the course. 'Within the school curriculum, I think it is so important that children are taught financial literacy. A lot of stuff involves money,' Mr Garcia said. While some praised the students for recognising their shortcomings and taking steps to improve, others were quick to point out that these skills should be taught earlier on in home economics classes. 'We learned how to sew, cook, use tools and other stuff in school. It is sad they took those classes away,' one user commented. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New York Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Most employees would invite family or a friend on a work trip — and not tell their boss, new survey reveals
Have you ever had a business trip stowaway? As it turns out, most employees would invite family or a friend on a work trip — and not even tell their boss about it. A new YouGov survey commissioned by upscale hotel chain Crowne Plaza reveals that 74% of employees would invite a family member or friend on a work trip — and nearly one in five admit they've already done so without telling their employer, Business Insider reported. Advertisement 3 While many people can bring a loved one on a work trip, most wouldn't tell their boss. Davide Angelini – It's all part of a growing trend called 'blended travel' or 'bleisure,' in which business travelers mix work with leisure by adding personal time or bringing loved ones along for the ride. It's especially appealing to Gen Z and millennials, who value work-life balance more than previous generations, according to psychologist Jean Twenge. Advertisement 'They don't want their work to be their whole life,' Twenge said, noting that younger workers are often less tied down by family obligations that might prevent such travel. Yet many employees still hesitate to be upfront about bringing a plus one. Twenge suggests this may be because newer workers are unsure about workplace norms, especially when they're just finding their footing in professional environments. 3 There's a growing trend called 'blended travel' or 'bleisure,' in which business travelers mix work with leisure by adding personal time or bringing loved ones along. REDPIXEL – But some employers are beginning to embrace the shift. Advertisement Ginger Taggart, vice president of brand management for global premium brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said many companies now support blended travel — and now even encourage it, noting the presence of another can help reduce stress. 3 Bringing friends and family along is especially appealing to younger Gen Z and millennial generation members, who value work-life balance more than previous generations, according to psychologist Jean Twenge. Zoran Zeremski – 'It enables all of their workforce and their employees to benefit from the productivity of their business demands, but at the same time having their life enriched,' Taggart said. Still, boundaries matter. Stephan Meier, professor at Columbia Business School, emphasized that employers should set clear expectations. Advertisement If the workday ends at 5 p.m. and evenings are free, there may be no harm in a guest tagging along. But when dinners and team-building events are part of the itinerary, it can be a bit more difficult to steal time away. That's likely why some are using their work trips to kick off a vacation by adding extra days dedicated to PTO — some thing hotels have taken note of. The rise in 'bleisure' travel has jet-setters extending the length of their hotel stays and looking to book resort destinations, especially all-inclusive properties, according to a 2024 travel forecast from Hilton. To appease these travelers, hotels are adding Peloton bikes, pillow menus, digital room keys, plenty of outlets, wireless charging pads on nightstands and more. 'The continued rise of bleisure is reshaping standards for business travel as professionals look to balance productivity with meaningful, personal experiences,' Gary Steffen, global category head, full-service brands at Hilton, told Fast Company. 'Today's travelers want to make every journey count. As such, we're focused on delivering fulfilling stays where work and relaxation come together seamlessly, supported by thoughtfully designed spaces, a vibrant atmosphere, dynamic bars and restaurants, tailored service and exceptional wellness experiences.'
