Banarsë compared it to the "Millennial Pause," a brief moment of silence before speaking in a video, adding that today's social quirks go viral more quickly. Banarsë added that the stare is part of Gen Z's move toward authenticity and boundary-setting—where emotional labor isn't automatically performed to meet outdated norms.

What is the "Gen Z Stare?" Older TikTok users say that Gen Z workers often give blank, unresponsive stares. Gen Zers are pushing back.

Everyone should give as much respect as they are given. For Gen Z, respect is not something that they give so easily, especially to the older generations. The old saying that respect is given, not earned, reigns true, but sometimes, the phrase that Gen Z loves to use so much is something that even they don't abide by.

Millennials and Gen Z are having it out on TikTok over this facial expression. Here’s everything to know about what the 'Gen Z stare' is and why everyone is up in arms about it.

Millennials had RBF (resting b—h 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.

Current reports that Gen-Z and Millennials prioritize financial health over looks in romantic partners, valuing good credit and savings.

“Hey Gen Z. Millennial here with a friendly reminder that you’ll be old before you even know it ,” warned a decidedly bitter commenter. “They say this now until it’s time for them to be in their 30s, and the next generation calls them old at that age,” agreed another.

When millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers graduated, just a quarter could expect to be unemployed that year. Meanwhile, nearly 60% of fresh-faced Gen Z grads today can’t land a job.