What the Gen Z Stare Reveals about Expression and Identity across Generations

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A viral TikTok trend known as the “Gen Z Stare” — characterized by emotionless,
Deadpan expressions are fueling debates between Millennials and Zoomers about self-expression, identity, and online culture. Is this debate about more than bland facial expressions, or have we blown proportions out of the water? Are we missing a deeper, more pivotal point that this question leads us to think about?

The Gen Z stare isn’t a new concept, but one that’s lately become the talk of the town. According to Mashable, the Gen Z stare isn’t being unimpressed or annoyed with someone, but rather their response to a basic question. Presently seen in many customer service positions, the Gen Z stare has been characterized as asking someone a basic question, and then staring blankly in response. It’s most commonly seen in awkward or uncomfortable social situations, in which an “older customer is being rude, obnoxious, or unruly.”

She Knows describes the phenomenon this way: 

“Millennials had [a resting face] and Gen Z, apparently, has the “stare,” which is basically a blank, awkward look that Gen Z gives to people who are being audacious, acting too much, or being downright ridiculous.” 

While some believe that Gen Z responds in this way because they are entitled and want to make the person on the receiving end feel stupid, others say it’s a simple blank stare that shouldn’t be overthought. The question becomes not so much what the stare is, but how and why it’s being used. 

Is Gen Z using this stare to be rude or immature, or are they doing it as a natural bodily response? Should we allow a facial expression to drive a wedge between Millennials and Gen Z? In a world obsessed with image and irony, how can we as Christians model sincerity, humility, and truth across generations? 

This silent stare is speaking volumes, so let’s unpack what this reveals about Gen Z culture and how we can lovingly respond. 

What is the Gen Z Stare? Understanding the Trend

By definition, the Gen Z Stare is similar to the coined resting face Millennials were given years prior. In its simplest form, it’s a blank, expressionless gaze in response to an interaction. For example, a customer keeps asking you for an apple pie even though you’ve told them the apple pie is out of stock and they will have to order something else. After you’ve told them half a dozen times, the stare comes out. You’re annoyed, done with the situation, and wish to move on. It can be rude, but you’re frustrated. 

In other situations, the Gen Z stare can reflect an impolite entitlement, used to shame others. Critics say this stare is unacceptable at all costs. For example, if a young person is helping their grandparent use a cell phone and displays the stare when they lose patience. 

Supporters, however, argue that this stare is truly no different than a resting face—it’s a neutral, non-reactionary facial expression that’s being misunderstood. 

Again, this debate isn’t about existence, but motive and meaning, and this leads me to one essential question: If you’re displaying this stare, what are your intentions and motivations?

What This Reveals About Gen Z Culture

As a former high school English teacher, I saw the blank stare a lot. But as a Gen Zer myself, I can see both sides of this coin. What it comes down to is your heart and intentions. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (NIV). Our facial expressions can often reflect the innermost parts of our hearts. 

There has been a shift in communication styles over the years. Especially after social media’s appearance, this generation speaks in a new language—one made up of slang, emojis, and text messages. We’ve gone from overt expressions to passive-aggressive ones, a clear contrast from Millennials’ exaggeration. And yet, the irony in this blankness is a protection from vulnerability—a defense mechanism when they don’t know how to respond. We’re ghosting, or leaving someone on read, for example. But what are we actually searching for?

In a society looking for meaning, there’s an innate desire for authenticity in all of us, often ironically expressed. We snap at friends in frustration because we fear telling them about our depression. We lash out at our spouse or significant other because we love them, but feel they should be able to read our minds. Parents get the brunt of this force when we still live at home—we know they get it, but don’t want to take their advice. So we sulk, and stare, and pout. Underneath it all, perhaps there is a cry for something real.