It’s the look that’s launched a thousand TikToks

A blank, unreadable stare that’s sure to surface across this summer’s Christmas-casual workforce

But behind the meme, experts at the University of South Australia say the so-called Gen Z stare is less about attitude and more about how young people are navigating today’s social expectations. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z are the most filmed, most online, and most scrutinised generation.

They’ve grown up with the internet, smartphones and social media, with younger Gen Zs experiencing COVID-19 lockdowns during some of their most critical social-development years.

Now, as the school term comes to a close, UniSA educator Alexandra Gavrilidis is asking people to recalibrate their expectations when it comes to Gen Z, calling for empathy rather than judgment.

“For younger Gen Zs (those aged between 13-18 years) the ‘Gen Z stare’ is an identifiable behaviour that some older customers, teachers or colleagues can find offensive, rude or even unprofessional.

But for Gen Z themselves, it’s usually more about the mundane: zoning out, processing, feeling awkward, or simply not seeing the point in forced small talk.”

During the holiday season, Gavrilidis says we’re all likely be confronted by questionable shopping or service behaviours – and not necessarily from Gen Zs. She says the answer isn’t to criticise, but to recalibrate.

“People fundamentally judge other people’s mistakes differently to how they judge their own, and this bias causes us to misjudge and misunderstand others,” Gavrilidis says.

“Older generations can benefit by recognising that the ‘Gen Z stare’ is often unintentional rather than hostile. And Gen Z can try to understand how their non-verbal cues land, especially in customer-facing roles.

“While the Gen Z stare might be unavoidable – especially at Christmas – the conflict doesn’t have to be. A little curiosity, a little generosity, and a willingness to assume the best could turn that blank look into a far better day for everyone.”

The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University.

Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026.

Find out more on the Adelaide University website.