As an early 90’s millennial, I’ve never noticed a “gen z stare” as described in news articles like a “blank face that shows lack of social skill or ability to think”. The only times I’ve witnessed it happen and seen the older person accuse them of “gen z stare” is when the older person says something off hand or dumb but isn’t self aware enough to realize they’re being weird. Hell, I’ve given people a blank face countless times because I was taught it was better to say nothing at all sometimes. Especially when it came to talking to older people at work.

I remember when I was 16, some middle aged guy at work accused me of having no personality. In reality, I kept all conversations short as possible with him (like almost everyone in the store) because they were casually racist and misogynistic.

  • epicthundercat@lemmy.world
    0·
    2 months ago

    I am a millennial mom to a gen Z teenager and have noticed this as well actually. I wasn’t sure if it was just that my kids friends are weird or what lol. I said hello and they stare with a small “hey” or don’t say anything back while avoiding eye contact?? Lol… Like I am your friends mom? You should probably at least take a “hello”???

    Edit: Now that I am reading these comments as a therapist it actually sounds like trauma? The zoning out and being lost in thought happens with chronic trauma victims. It sounds like disassociating from growing up with COVID and other systemically traumatic environments during crucial development periods. Sad