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**Summary:**

A generational debate has erupted online, particularly on TikTok, over the “Gen Z stare.” This stare is described as a blank, often unresponsive gaze given in social situations where a verbal response would be expected. Millennials are reportedly calling out Gen Z on this behavior, while Gen Z is defending themselves. The debate is playing out in the comments sections of viral TikTok videos documenting or describing the phenomenon, often with examples from retail, dining, or other customer service scenarios.

**News Article:**

**”Gen Z Stare” Sparks Generational Clash Online**

*New York, NY* – A seemingly innocuous facial expression is causing a major rift between generations on social media. The “Gen Z stare,” characterized by a blank, often unresponsive gaze in situations where verbal communication might be more typical, has become the latest battleground between Gen Z and Millennials.

The debate ignited after Valerie Jefferson, 23, posted a TikTok video about the phenomenon, interpreting it as the look of someone in a service job handling frustrating customer requests. Her video quickly went viral, garnering over three million views and unleashing a torrent of commentary.

“Millennials finally got something to say about Gen Z, and I think they ran with it, and Gen Z was not happy,” Jefferson explained.

Numerous other TikTok videos have since emerged, racking up millions of views and documenting examples of the “Gen Z stare” in various settings. While many instances are cited from customer-facing roles, some users argue the behavior is more widespread.

Riley Despot, 30, shared her own experience in a TikTok video, describing a golf lesson where her greeting and expression of gratitude to a young instructor were met with only a stare and a curt “yeah.” Despot admitted to feeling confused and questioning her own behavior after the encounter.

The rise of the “Gen Z stare” and the subsequent intergenerational debate highlights the growing cultural differences in communication styles between younger and older generations, further amplified by the reach and immediacy of social media platforms like TikTok. The debate continues to rage on in the comments sections, offering a glimpse into the evolving social dynamics of a digital age.

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