#21 - The 'Gen Z Stare': What Does It Mean? We Can't Ignore It.

About This Episode

Hosts Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnon tackle the social media phenomenon known as the "Gen Z Stare". Danielle describes it as a flat, zombie-like, and disengaged expression that is often difficult to read, particularly in the workplace or when interacting with customers. Mervyn and Danielle demonstrate the stare before exploring its origins. Danielle cites a TikTok therapist who suggests the stare is a symptom of a larger cultural shift, where Gen Z wants to skip small talk and get straight to the point because pleasantries can be exhausting to them. This shift may be rooted in a decrease in social interactions due to the pandemic and an increased reliance on digital communication. Mervyn agrees that the nature of person-to-person interaction has changed, noting that in the past, small talk was a key part of customer service and positive customer experiences. He believes that with more forms of communication, the era of small talk is fading. Danielle adds that the many different ways to connect, from liking a post to in-person meetings, have created a sense of "superficial connection" that contributes to higher levels of loneliness among young people. The hosts discuss how a manager could respond to the "Gen Z Stare" by being curious and asking if something is going on. Danielle suggests that by offering their own personal tips or narratives, a manager can build trust and earn the employee's attention. Mervyn emphasizes that politeness costs nothing and that in a working environment, it's important to be polite to everyone because you never know when your paths will cross again. He concludes by stressing the importance of maintaining humanity in human resources and not cutting off human interaction in an age of digital communication and AI. Danielle agrees, stating that the ability to make people feel a certain way and inspire them to go above and beyond is a skill that helps ensure job security in a world with AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices