But the “stare” dogpile is also a reflection of the social skills we value and how we learned to value them; concerns that go beyond eye contact and active listening. In examining our hangups and the backlash, it becomes clear that the Gen Z stare is actually as much about Zoomers as it is the people who are frustrated by them.

Discover why Gen Z's blank stare is causing a stir online. From workplace encounters to viral TikToks, explore how this expression became the latest generational divide.

TikTokers coined the "Gen Z stare" to refer to the vacant look some young people give in social situations and workplace settings.