Is the "Gen z stare" a real thing?

Submitted ⁨⁨16⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago⁩ by ⁨TheReanuKeeves@lemmy.world⁩ to ⁨[deleted]⁩

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.

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voicesarefree@lemmy.world ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
Only encountered it once maybe two years ago. Was in a part of town I am not often around anymore and dropped in a coffee shop I used to frequent. The staff couldn’t have been much older than 20, all with bare midriffs that I have never seen in food service before (this is kind of a grungy art district spot, but still). Ordered my coffee and asked about their food which used to have some gluten free options, and got a blank stare for maybe 10 seconds.

That’s it. Just once. Not a general stereotype but I’m not exactly well traveled so maybe more regional?

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ipkpjersi@lemmy.ml ⁨11⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
I’m a millennial too and tbh I’ve done the gen z stare, sometimes there are just things that dumbfound you.

Nobody is always going to have the answer to everything and be immediately quick on their feet at all times.

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lemmie689@lemmy.sdf.org ⁨16⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
Gen see, gen do. People adopt each others behaviour.

enculturation noun

The process by which an individual adopts the behaviour patterns of the culture in which he or she is immersed.

The adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture.
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- Grail@multiverse.soulism.net ⁨14⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  Or they or ze or xe
  
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mojofrododojo@lemmy.world ⁨12⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
I’ve seen a lot of this over the last few years, esp since covid.

Part of it is: “That’s the most absurdly stupid thing I’ve heard in a while, let’s allow this to echo for a bit and maybe when the speaker thinks on what they said for a bit, they’ll reconsider.” But there’s a range, from that to grey rock - just deny the other party any kind of reaction, much less satisfaction. just be a blank space. grey rock is really useful vs narcissists and people who feel entitled (why don’t you just smile more).

we weren’t as sophisticated in this way when I was a kid; if your parent was emotionally manipulative or abusive, we generally had to just eat shit. kids these days can do research and find strategies, and I respect that. on the other hand, I’ve never had a problem just picking up the phone and calling someone, which my kid thinks is absolutely deranged.

it’s funny how times change.

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desra@slrpnk.net ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
I get all the people saying no but recently had this at the dentist office. Entirely possible I am just old and unaware (30’s) but walked in late for an appointment. Gave my name, etc. and just got that blank look. She clicked around. Stopped and stared. So I had to ask. “Do I have an appointment.” “You did…” stares again “Okay, then is there still time for me to see the dentist or do I need a new appointment?” blankest of stares “Like can you go ask the dentist if he has time to see me still or if I need to schedule a new one?” stares again before getting up to go hide in the back with her coworkers like I just made an unwanted advance.

Yes, I was late for my appointment, last time I waited twenty minutes in the waiting room so didn’t think it’d be a thing but it was. So then my question and the only option seems to be, find out if the patient really is too late or book them a new appointment. I just got that blank ass stares.

It really hit in a way where I wasn’t sure if I was short circuiting or she was but after that interaction, I must have had a Gen Z stare for a couple hours.

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FinjaminPoach@lemmy.world ⁨14⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
It is, and it’s not just to do with neurodiverse traits like autism either (unless they can be induced by GenZ’s lifestyle, which I don’t think they can be.)

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