Overview

• The Gen Z stare involves a blank, deer-in-the-headlights gaze that many perceive as disengagement in face-to-face interactions.
• Psychologists link the phenomenon to social anxiety rooted in pandemic isolation and a reliance on asynchronous digital communication.
• The hashtag #GenZStare has amassed thousands of posts on TikTok, fueling cross-generational debates over politeness, authenticity and workplace manners.
• Companies report that the stare has led to customer confusion and increased onboarding costs, prompting investments in soft-skills development for younger employees.
• The discourse echoes earlier flashpoints like “Ok, Boomer” and the “Millennial Pause,” reflecting ongoing generational tensions over evolving social norms.