The “Gen Z Gaze” Explained: What It Is & Why It Happens

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Some say Gen Z employees have some social issues, but is it true?
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Social media is on fire with debates about the “Gen Z stare,” which is the idea that young workers don’t know how—or refuse to—greet or interact with customers and instead give them a blank gaze. But is the Gen Z stare real? What causes it? And is it really a big deal? We’ve come through with all the answers to get you up to speed. We also spoke to social media consultant Candace Gasper and licensed family therapist Jacob Christenson, PhD, LMFT, for more insight into the Gen Z stare and why it happens.

The Gen Z Stare Explained

According to social media consultant Candace Gasper, the “Gen Z stare” refers to the blank stare and almost emotionless facial expression commonly seen among this generation. Social media users have claimed that Gen Z workers, like cashiers and waiters, give customers a blank stare or appear absent-minded.

Section 1 of 4:

What is the Gen Z stare?

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  1. According to Gasper, “Gen Z stare is very real and refers to a deadpan, unbothered, almost emotionless facial expression that’s become a signature part of Gen Z humor and attitude. Think blank stare, maybe a slight eye squint, and absolutely no smile. It’s often used in videos or memes to signal irony, boredom, or silent judgment.” [1]
    • Recently, people have been complaining on social media that when they talk to service workers, they’re met with the “Gen Z stare” or “Gen Z gaze.” They say the workers often skip greetings and look at customers with a blank or unenthusiastic expression that they say is unique to younger generations, particularly Gen Z. [2]
    • Users also complain about poor service overall, blaming the lack of discipline or passion found in younger generations.
    • The Gen Z stare is also sometimes called the “Zoomer stare.”

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Candace Gasper is a social media consultant and the owner of Digital Candy, a social media agency. Candace is an expert in social media with over seven years of professional experience.

    Jacob Christenson, PhD, LMFT , is a licensed family therapist with over 20 years of experience in the field.

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Section 2 of 4:

Where did the Gen Z stare come from?

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  1. It’s hard to pin down who first used the term “Gen Z stare,” but a popular post by Twitter/X user @pbprot from June 3, 2025, is likely where the idea became popular. The user complains about “the new style of customer service where people just stare at you when you walk up to the counter/service desk,” with users in the comments agreeing and theorizing on why it happens. This post likely got the discussion going, and the term “Gen Z stare” sprang from that discussion.
    • The term also quickly gained popularity on TikTok in early-to-mid 2025. For example, on April 12, 2025, TikToker @h_ppy.no0dle.b0y_ posted a video about the Gen Z stare, saying, “Maybe a hot take but the Boomers are right about the apathetic behavior displayed by Gen Z.” The video gained over 59,000 likes in 3 months.
    • The term was even covered by the New York Post on June 18, 2025, in an article titled “Beware the ‘Gen Z gaze.’
Section 3 of 4:

What causes the Gen Z stare?

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  1. Ask anyone who’s ever worked a service job, and they’ll tell you that they’ve “checked out” mentally on the clock now and then. Why? Well, service workers are often overworked and underpaid, and according to studies, have low job satisfaction. [3] This leads to worse performance on the job and a less-than-enthusiastic disposition when greeting customers.
    • When you work a customer-facing job, you’re more likely to burn out, since it requires putting on a “mask” for every customer, which takes a whole lot of energy.
    • Also, many experts say that COVID caused a breakdown in the public’s manners and social skills. [4] It’s hard to blame service workers dealing with the public for being a bit spaced-out.
    • Pair that with the overwhelming state of the world today, and you have a recipe for disaffected, unenthusiastic youth.
  2. 2
    The Gen Z stare may just be a part of their generation’s humor and attitude. Casper says, “People keep talking about the Gen Z Stare because it perfectly captures the dry, sarcastic, and self-aware energy Gen Z is known for. It’s become both a meme and a generational marker; almost like a visual inside joke. It contrasts sharply with the overly expressive, high-energy content of previous generations, so it stands out. Plus, it’s funny, weirdly relatable, and super memeable.” [5]
  3. When you see talk of the Gen Z stare, you’ll come across many comments blaming social isolation from COVID and smartphones for a lack of social skills. Studies show that this may be true. In surveys, Gen Z respondents say they feel unequipped for the workplace in many ways, including social skills. [6]
    • That said, many Gen Z users have argued against this narrative, saying that poor customer service is nothing new and, if anything, the blame rests on rude customers and bad working conditions.
  4. Dr. Christenson says that “some of the things that older adults will complain about with Gen Z are the same things that everybody's always complained about. But it's just got a different flavor.” [7] This argument is also scientifically backed; studies show that every older generation complains about the younger. The “problem” of the Gen Z stare (if it is a problem) isn’t unique to Gen Z. For generations, older people have been complaining about the younger generation’s lack of passion, principle, and motivation. [8] It’s a cycle, and this is just the latest way that cycle has reared its head.
    • Think about how the older generations complained about television back in the day, which is a lot like how older generations complain about smartphones these days.
    • That doesn’t mean there aren’t real concerns, just that sometimes it’s best to put generational complaints into perspective. They’ve always been around!
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Section 4 of 4:

What to Do About the Gen Z Gaze

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  1. Many people say it’s a service worker’s job to be kind, friendly, and enthusiastic—that’s what you’re paying for, after all. But service jobs are incredibly difficult and emotionally and physically demanding, and studies show that people are, in fact, ruder to service workers than other professions. [9] It can be frustrating not to get the kind of service you want, but try to stay patient and sympathize with the person working long hours and dealing with rude customers all day.
    • Even if it doesn’t seem particularly busy, the business might have just seen a rush, or the worker might be tired from long, consecutive shifts. You never know what someone is going through!
    • If you need to handle a rude waiter , first address the problem with them directly. If that doesn’t work, you may escalate the situation and ask to speak with a manager to get better service.
  2. How you treat your waiter or cashier says a lot about you, and other people are observing your behavior. [10] If you want better service, start by setting the standard yourself. Your waiter is much more likely to treat you with warmth and grace if you show them that same warmth. Employees appreciate a friendly customer, especially when contrasted with rude customers, so cut them some slack, and they’ll do the same for you.
    • Even if a waiter doesn’t start with a warm attitude, try to greet them with a smile and ask how they’re doing. It helps them feel more human and cared for, and less like they’re a machine that just brings you food.
    • Also, the worse your own attitude is, the worse your service will be. Make yourself someone that a waiter or cashier is relieved and happy to see!
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      References

      1. ↑ Candace Gasper. Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://www.indulgexpress.com/trends/2025/Jun/22/service-with-a-stare-brace-yourself-for-the-gen-z-gaze-at-the-coffee-counter
      3. ↑ https://shift.hks.harvard.edu/early-career-workers-in-the-service-sector/
      4. ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/are-people-more-disrespectful-unkind-since-the-pandemic-experts-say-yes-and-heres-why/
      5. ↑ Candace Gasper. Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.nsls.org/blog/how-the-pandemic-impacted-gen-z-soft-skills
      7. ↑ Jacob Christenson, PhD, LMFT. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/psychology-behind-generation-gap-180973731/
      9. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220728-why-people-lash-out-at-service-workers
      1. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jun/15/never-trust-anyone-rude-waiter

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