Banarsë compared it to the "Millennial Pause," a brief moment of silence before speaking in a video, adding that today's social quirks go viral more quickly. Banarsë added that the stare is part of Gen Z's move toward authenticity and boundary-setting—where emotional labor isn't automatically performed to meet outdated norms.

Tatum explained that people mocking and bullying Gen Z for their constant staring and seemingly disconnected way of communicating and engaging are ableist. She claimed that calling Gen Z "stupid, incompetent, [and] rude for being nonverbal or having poor social interaction skills or not understanding social interactions" is part of the problem.

Millennials and Gen Z are having it out on TikTok over this facial expression. Here’s everything to know about what the 'Gen Z stare' is and why everyone is up in arms about it.

What is the "Gen Z Stare?" Older TikTok users say that Gen Z workers often give blank, unresponsive stares. Gen Zers are pushing back.

Teens today often show a blank look called the "Gen Z stare" that can signal discomfort, not disrespect. Experts say social anxiety, pandemic isolation, and growing up online may shape how Gen Z connects in person. Even if it looks like attitude, this stare may just mean your teen feels misunderstood or overwhelmed.

The Gen Z stare is a recent topic of debate on TikTok, where different generations argue over whether it's rude, a symptom of overwhelm, a product of growing up during the pandemic, a communication deficit or just another generational stereotype.

Have you experienced "The Gen Z Stare?" Fill out our poll to tell us what you think about the polarizing observation that's gone viral on TikTok.

TikTok loves to argue — and the latest spat is over the so-called Gen Z stare. You might have a few questions like: 1) what's the Gen Z stare? and 2) why is TikTok fighting over this? and 3) who would spend their time fighting over this?