"They Just Stare Without Answering Questions"... What Is the 'Gen Z Stare'?

Emerging as a Symbol of Generation Z
Impact of Reduced Face-to-Face Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Gen Z Responds: "We Just Don't React to Ridiculous Questions"

Recently, the "Gen Z Stare" has emerged as a phenomenon symbolizing Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012), gaining traction primarily on overseas social networking services (SNS).

Dancer Gabi, who appeared on broadcaster Yoo Byungjae's YouTube channel, is reenacting 'Gen Z Stair'. YouTube capture

"Gen Z Stare" is a newly coined term that combines "Gen Z," referring to Generation Z, and "stare," meaning to look intently. It describes the way members of Generation Z gaze at others with a blank expression. The term originated from the unique tendency of this generation to simply look at someone without immediately reacting to questions or conversations.

The Gen Z Stare has resonated globally as it spread as a meme on overseas SNS platforms. In one video, a customer asks, "Can I get a latte with milk?" and the employee simply stares for a few seconds before responding. The same happens when asked, "Can I get a discount with my card?" The video garnered millions of views.

In South Korea, people have also shared their own experiences with the Gen Z Stare. On X (formerly Twitter), users wrote, "Even when I asked a question, they just stared at me," "I kept wondering, 'Are they ignoring me?'," and "I don't know how to deal with my Gen Z junior colleague who doesn't react even when I point out a mistake." Dancer Gabi, who appeared on broadcaster Yoo Byungjae's YouTube channel, also reenacted the Gen Z Stare, drawing attention. On August 11, during "Sleepless Night on Orbit: Honestly, I'm Not Sleepy at All," Gabi explained, "These days, there's this thing called the Gen Z Stare-it's the way Gen Z looks at people, their mood when they stare." She then demonstrated by staring expressionlessly for three seconds, making viewers laugh.

A video related to the 'Gen Z Stair' that is gaining attention mainly on overseas social networking services (SNS). YouTube capture

According to a recent survey by a domestic media outlet of 765 office workers in their 30s to 50s, 53.4% said they had experienced the Gen Z Stare. When asked about employees who display the Gen Z Stare at work, 52.4% responded that it was "inappropriate." Regarding its impact on intergenerational communication, 51% viewed it negatively, far surpassing those who were neutral (33.3%) or positive (15.6%). Respondents cited "avoidance of communication and lack of communication skills" (26%) and "defensive attitude toward unreasonable situations" (24.6%) as the main reasons for the Gen Z Stare.

NBC News in the United States analyzed that Generation Z is experiencing anxiety as face-to-face communication has decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having formed relationships mainly through SNS during their formative years, they now feel the same fear of being ridiculed offline as they do online. Some analyses suggest that, as face-to-face interactions decreased during the pandemic, certain younger generations experienced greater mental side effects such as anxiety due to social isolation.

Experts have interpreted the Gen Z Stare as a strategic attitude to conserve emotions and avoid overreacting. Some argue that the Gen Z Stare is merely a recurring generational narrative that "young people these days lack manners," and point out that, having gone through the pandemic, Generation Z may find building relationships unfamiliar. They suggest that organizations should understand these differences in communication styles and create a virtuous cycle that leverages the strengths of Generation Z.

Meanwhile, Generation Z has pushed back against the controversy, arguing, "It's not that we lack communication skills, we just don't respond to ridiculous questions or situations." In a TikTok video with 1.6 million views, one Gen Z individual explained, "Customers ask for a 'cheeseburger without cheese' or look for out-of-stock items," adding, "It's in those moments of confusion that the Gen Z Stare comes out."