Culture Craze

Decoding the Gen Z Stare: Is Silence the New Attitude?

Published

2 months ago

July 17, 2025

Chiraag

You ask a question. They say nothing. You ask again; still nothing. Just a glassy-eyed, borderline soul-leaving-the-body look.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or manager who’s recently been on the receiving end of the now infamous “Gen Z stare,” you’re not alone. It’s that emotionless, wordless, unreadable expression that has become one of the most talked about generational behaviours of 2025. While it might feel like silent rebellion, experts say it’s more nuanced than that.

What exactly is the Gen Z stare?

Picture this: you’re explaining something, maybe giving instructions or asking a simple question, and in return, you’re met with nothing. No nod; no “okay.” Just silence. That’s the Gen Z stare. It’s not meant to offend. In fact, Gen Zers themselves often don’t even realise they’re doing it. But for older generations raised on conversational cues like eye contact and vocal feedback, it can feel jarring, even rude.

This isn’t just a parenting issue either. Workplaces are feeling it too. Baby boomer and Gen X managers report feeling unsettled by what appears to be apathy or disengagement. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find the stare isn’t about attitude; it’s about anxiety.

Digital fluency, social fatigue

Gen Z grew up in a world where most conversations happened behind screens. Instead of learning to say “I hear you,” they sent emojis. Instead of voicing opinions in real time, they typed them. Now that they’re stepping into physical spaces such as boardrooms, classrooms, and dinner tables, their lack of face-to-face fluency is starting to show.

Social media, particularly TikTok, has turned this behaviour into a trend. Videos with the hashtag #genzstare rack up millions of views, with Gen Zers parodying their own blank expressions and poking fun at confused adults. But behind the humour is something real: a subtle generational shift in how communication works.

Not rudeness, just discomfort

According to behavioural psychologists, many of these young adults aren’t trying to be disrespectful. They’re just unsure how to respond, especially when confronted directly or caught off guard. The stare can signal social anxiety, not arrogance. Think of it less as “you’re not worth a response” and more as “I’m still processing what to say.”

Teachers have reported similar challenges in the classroom. Retail workers see it with younger customers. And parents across Johannesburg are nodding and venting in agreement.

Bridging the awkward silence

So, what’s the fix? Start by resetting expectations. Just because someone doesn’t speak right away doesn’t mean they’re ignoring you. Sometimes they’re listening, just not in the way you expect.

A bit of patience mixed with clear communication goes a long way. For older generations, that might mean learning not to take the silence personally. For Gen Z, a simple “got it” or even a head nod can help prevent a lot of unnecessary tension.

And yes, you can still ask them to do the dishes; just be ready to wait for the blink.