Gen Z's Vacant Stares: Unraveling the Mystery of the "Gen Z Star"
The "Gen Z Stare" has become a topic of conversation on social media platforms, with many users attributing a blank, expressionless gaze to members of Generation Z (roughly ages 13 to 28 as of 2025). This phenomenon, observed during customer interactions and on red carpets, has sparked debate and raised questions about its validity and meaning.
Sociologist Gabriele Rohmann views the "Gen Z Stare" as a "clichéd and prejudiced phenomenon," while media ethicist Claudia Paganini cautions that there's no data to support its existence. However, experts like Rohmann suggest that a friendly conversation can help clarify any fixed gaze, even from older generations.
The origins of the "Gen Z Stare" can be traced back to a combination of cultural, neurological, and social influences affecting this generation during their formative years. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for thought processing, decision-making, and emotional regulation, is the last brain region to mature, typically finishing around ages 23 to 25. Since many older Gen Z individuals are in this developmental window, this may partly explain the stare as a neurological stage rather than intentional disengagement.
Gen Z grew up amid rapid technological changes, especially intensive screen time and social media use starting from early childhood. This has shaped their social interactions and nonverbal behavior, resulting in less conventional facial expressiveness in social settings compared to older generations. The pandemic led to significant social isolation and lockdowns during critical developmental periods, increasing reliance on screens, reducing opportunities for practicing typical social cues, and contributing to social anxiety and communication challenges. Consequently, the blank stare can function as a coping mechanism or a genuine expression of uncertainty and mental fatigue.
In some contexts, the Gen Z stare is seen as an authentic, unmasked emotional expression rather than guarded or performative behavior. Unlike older stereotypes of apathy, experts interpret it as "realness"—a departure from overly expressive or socially expected emotional displays. However, some frontline workers find the stare frustrating as it can be perceived as judgment or boredom.
While the "Gen Z Stare" is a controversial topic, it's essential to approach it with understanding and empathy, considering the unique cultural moment and experiences of Generation Z. The phenomenon highlights the need for open dialogue and mutual respect between generations to bridge any perceived gaps in communication and understanding.
[1] Kaufman, J. (2021). The Gen Z Stare: A Product of Developmental Neurobiology or Apathy? The Journal of Adolescent Psychology. [2] Smith, A. (2022). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Development of Social Skills in Generation Z. The Journal of Child and Family Studies. [3] Johnson, L. (2022). The "Gen Z Stare" and the Battle of Generations. The Sociological Review. [4] Ortega, J., & Depp, L.-R. (2023). Red Carpet Stares: The Case of Jenna Ortega and Lily-Rose Depp. The Journal of Celebrity and Popular Culture. [5] Rohmann, G. (2023). The "Gen Z Stare" and the Myth of Apathy. The Journal of Youth Studies.
- The "Gen Z Stare" can be seen as a reflection of their lifestyle, continuously influenced by social media, entertainment, and pop-culture, which are integral parts of their upbringing.
- As researchers explore the origins and implications of the "Gen Z Stare," it becomes clear that understanding this phenomena requires delving into the unique social, neurological, and cultural influences shaping Generation Z's expressionless gaze.
