Gen Z’s ‘Blank Stare’: Unpacking the Social Phenomenon and Generational Divide

A trending topic on social media, dubbed the ‘Gen Z stare,’ is sparking widespread discussion across generations. Described by millennials, Gen X, and boomers as a blank, unreactive expression during direct interactions or a lack of customary greetings, this perceived behavior is prompting older generations to question the social skills of those born between 1997 and 2012.

While many Gen Z individuals deny conscious participation in the ‘stare,’ psychology experts suggest that some may be unaware of it. Academics like Michael Poulin, an associate psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, note that a seemingly vacant gaze from students is not new, suggesting it could be a recurring intergenerational complaint rather than a unique Gen Z trait. However, the amplification of these observations on social media is a distinct modern phenomenon.

The article explores potential contributing factors, primarily the pervasive influence of the internet and the COVID-19 pandemic. Tara Well, a professor at Barnard College, posits that extensive screen time and automated interactions might reshape face-to-face communication, leading to a ‘self-objectification’ where individuals perceive others more as images than dynamic people. The pandemic, which significantly curtailed in-person social development for many Gen Zers during formative years, is also cited as a major influence.

The ‘Gen Z stare’ is interpreted by older generations as a form of social rejection, an experience humans are wired to dislike. Despite the current frustration, experts anticipate that as Gen Z accumulates more real-world social interactions, this particular behavior will likely diminish, paving the way for future generational observations.

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