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of Gen Z's move toward authenticity and boundary-setting—where emotional labor isn't automatically performed to meet outdated norms.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.

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.

This particular TikTok trend is quickly becoming a flashpoint in debates about workplace culture, generational divides, and the future of soft skills. While it may seem like a fleeting meme, the Gen Z stare is emblematic of deeper economic and social shifts as the youngest working generation reshapes the labor market.