The Gen Z stare is a hot topic.
The internet is in an uproar with claims that the generation born between 1997 and 2012 is greeting everyone with the Gen Z stare, defined as a blank and utterly disinterested expression, in professional, retail, restaurant and customer-service related professions.
Maybe you’ve been a victim of the stare. Maybe you’ve even done it yourself.
As much as I want to pay no heed to TikTok videos about generational mannerisms, I think this particular phenomenon might actually be real. While I don’t experience it often, there certainly have been instances where I’ve been hit with the infamous stare. And as a Gen Zer myself, I certainly hope that I haven’t given anyone else the stare.
But what’s driving this generation-specific expression?
Some argue that it’s just another manifestation of the look customer service workers use when dealing with exasperating customers who have absurd demands.
But I think it’s just another symptom of Gen Z’s commitment to nonchalance. It’s not a response toward frustrating customers; it’s Gen Z’s unfazed attitude, which shows up in the workplace, social settings, friendships and much more.
Digital upbringing shapes Gen Z’s communication style
Amanda Stevenson-Holmes, a Butler University instructor for strategic communications, told me Gen Z’s social expectations and norms have been heavily influenced by the internet. Gen Z’s online presence has impacted how they view relationships, whether interpersonal or professional.
It’s not unusual for a generation to have peculiar communication quirks, Stevenson-Holmes said.
“Generations share a very specific place in history,” Stevenson-Holmes said. “Each generation has developed its own kind of unique personality, and it does have a big difference in how this group of people views the world.”
The Gen Z stare might just be ingrained in my generation’s personality, shaped by a heavy online presence, especially considering the role virtual schooling played during the pandemic. Communicating through a screen makes it difficult to practice traditional eye contact, Stevenson-Holmes noted.
Going years without face-to-face interaction is likely part of the reason why some of Gen Z struggles with social interactions.
The workplace is one area where Gen Z’s informality can really backfire. As Gen Z transitions into the job market, those behaviors will impact how the generation is perceived professionally.
Workplace success requires connection
It’s possible to improve communication patterns. I talked with Tatiana Kolovou, a professor in the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, whose coursework helps prepare students for professional life.
“This particular generation has less of a pedigree in interpersonal communication,” Kolovou said. “No one teaches you to nod when someone is speaking … or show me there’s some reaction. Nowhere is it written that this is kinda how we behave.”
Growing up online, and then moving into an all-digital world without in-person classes during the pandemic, stunted our social skills. I remember how easy it was to zone out when classes were held via video. It was easy to stare nowhere in particular, especially when cameras weren’t required to be on.
It’s the responsibility of professors, managers and mentors to guide Gen Z, Kolovou said. In her experience, Gen Z is willing and eager to grow when given the right tools and opportunities. But the generation also faces anxiety.
Kolovou has noticed that the stress of being seen as cringey drives Gen Z’s behavior.
“They’re gonna be ‘too cool for school’ and nonchalant because they don’t want to look stupid,” Kolovou said.
While nonchalance and informality might work in some situations, Gen Z is due for change.
It’s easy to deflect and choose to be casual because it requires almost no effort. But choosing to care — especially when the people around you are busy being nonchalant — is a tough task.
Both Stevenson-Holmes and Kolovou urge Gen Z to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s an age-old adage, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Caring makes us more connected, both with the physical world around us and each other.
It’s time for the era of nonchalance to come to an end.
Contact IndyStar opinion fellow Sadia Khatri at sadia.khatri@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: The Gen Z stare is real — and it’s hurting career prospects | Opinion
Reporting by Sadia Khatri, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
