You may have noticed it at your local coffee shop or daycare center—when you say “hi” or “thanks,” you’re met with a blank, emotionless stare from a Gen Z worker. No smile, no “you’re welcome”—just that look. It’s become so common that TikTok users have dubbed it the ‘Gen Z stare’, and it’s sparked some serious conversation online.
But is Gen Z really just… rude?
According to Gen Z self-help author Tam Kaur, not quite.
“We’re the first generation to grow up with our faces constantly on display—on selfies, video calls, and social media. That creates extreme self-consciousness,” she told Metro UK.
Kaur says it’s not rudeness, but a deep-rooted fear of being judged, even during small talk. This anxiety over micro-interactions might explain the perceived coldness many feel when engaging with Gen Z workers.
Young store workers are being accused of being rude for not replying when someone says ‘hi’, ‘bye’ or ‘thank you’ (Getty stock)
😐 Real People Are Noticing.
One Reddit user shared a now-viral post explaining how Gen Z daycare staff never respond when they say hello:
“It’s so awkward. I’m not asking for a full convo—just a simple ‘hi’. But it’s always dead silence.”
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Thousands replied, echoing the same experience. Some accused Gen Z of being cold, entitled, or even “psychopathic.” One harsh comment joked: “They’re wondering how you know they’re high.”
Ouch.
‘Hi, could you point me in the direction of Joe Blogg Street please?’ (Getty stock)
But jokes aside, there’s data to back up what’s really going on.
😷 A Pandemic Generation with Social Scars
A study by McKinsey found Gen Z was the most socially impacted generation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 51% said their social skills had declined due to a lack of face-to-face interaction.
Compare that to 47% of Millennials, 37% of Gen X, and just 26% of Baby Boomers. That’s a huge shift.
So while previous generations grew up with casual greetings being second nature, Zoomers are navigating a different world—one where small talk feels like a performance.
🧠 Is This the New Normal?
It might be. As social interactions move increasingly online, in-person communication can feel awkward for a generation raised on screens.
But instead of calling them “rude,” maybe we should call them cautiously disconnected. The “Gen Z stare” isn’t about disrespect—it’s about discomfort.
The ‘Gen Z stare’ is leaving people feeling ‘awkward’ (Getty stock)
So next time you get the stare, maybe don’t take it personally. You might just be looking at someone figuring out how to be a person in a hyper-digital world.
Sources:
- Metro UK Interview with Tam Kaur
- McKinsey on Gen Z Mental Health
- Reddit Thread on Gen Z Social Interactions
