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| Psychologists and generational experts there's more to the discourse around the "Gen Z Stare" than online critics are saying. BROOK PIFER/Getty Images |
A trend known as the “Gen Z Stare” has taken social media by storm a blank, wide-eyed expression often observed in workplace or customer service interactions. While many online critics frame it as a sign of poor communication or professional etiquette, psychologists and generational researchers suggest a more nuanced explanation.
Some believe the expression reflects a lack of soft skills or disengagement, but experts told Truth Sider that what we’re witnessing may be more about youth, inexperience, and the digital upbringing of Gen Z not a flaw in their personality or work ethic.
“Every generation critiques the generation below them,” said Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, a behavioral psychologist. “This is nothing new.”
For Many Gen Zers, This Is Their First Job Experience
Dr. Meg Jay, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author on twenty-somethings, dismisses the notion that Gen Z employees lack emotional intelligence. Instead, she believes the “stare” likely results from navigating the workplace for the first time, especially alongside older generations.
“Blank stares from young workers may be more about not knowing what to do or lacking confidence,” Jay explained.
Dr. Megan Gerhardt, a leadership professor and founder of Gentelligence.org, adds that retail and customer service jobs, where the stare is often spotted, are frequently entry-level roles for Gen Z.
According to Hendriksen, Gen Z workers may also be less willing to participate in traditional people-pleasing behaviors, which often show up as customer service smiles or scripted responses.
“They may come off as less polished or professional, but it’s more about authenticity,” she said.
A Digital Upbringing Could Be Influencing Real-World Behavior
A major factor shaping this phenomenon, according to experts, is Gen Z’s online-first upbringing. Gerhardt believes that spending more time on screens than in face-to-face environments has created a gap in emotional response training.
“You can’t assume they’ve had enough practice rallying expressions and reactions in real life,” Gerhardt noted.
While the COVID-19 pandemic likely interrupted critical social development years for Gen Z, Jay warns against assuming the entire generation is “damaged.” Hendriksen also drew a connection between Zoom culture and the Gen Z Stare, comparing the awkward silence to moments in virtual meetings when participants forget to unmute themselves.
It's Time to Equip Gen Z With Better Communication Skills
Regardless of the origins, experts agree that Gen Z professionals need better tools to thrive in traditional workplace settings. That includes nonverbal cues, verbal communication, and conflict resolution skills rarely emphasized in universities.
“Nearly half of Gen Zers believe they lack the communication skills workplaces expect and they’re often right,” said Jay.
Hendriksen added that the "skills gap" in customer-facing roles is partially due to missed experiences during the pandemic, and warned against treating Gen Z as a monolith. Gerhardt emphasized the need to invest in coaching rather than criticism, especially as professional norms evolve.
“If we want to preserve personal touch in business, we need to meet Gen Z where they’re at,” Gerhardt said. “Help them understand why soft skills matter not just mock them for what they’re missing.”
Criticizing the Next Generation Has Always Been a Trend
The Gen Z Stare is just the latest in a long history of generational shaming, say experts. From “millennial pauses” in YouTube videos to accusations that Boomers are out of touch, each generation faces its own round of criticism as they enter the workforce.
“Our culture loves to make fun of young adults for being unequipped,” said Jay. “But what they really need is mentorship, not mockery.”
Gerhardt pointed out that older generations had to develop professional skills too and that social awkwardness in your early 20s is not exclusive to Gen Z.
“This is just the 2020s version of the same generational cycle,” she said.
Understanding the Gen Z Stare, Not Judging It
While the blank expressions and quiet responses may be confusing to older colleagues or customers, they’re not evidence of incompetence. Instead, they signal growing pains, shifting cultural norms, and the need for better intergenerational communication.
As Gen Z continues to integrate into the workforce, the focus should be on education, empathy, and adaptation not blame.
