The Gen Z stare is a phrase coined by social media users to describe a "blank stare that members of younger generations give in situations where a verbal response would be more common".[2] Kalhan Rosenblatt of NBC News says, "[w]hile there are several definitions for the stare, the most common meaning is a vacant expression a Gen Zer gives in response to a question. The stare occurs in classrooms, restaurants, at work and more settings."[1] The term "Gen Z stare" garnered widespread coverage in the mainstream media in July 2025.[a] The concept of the "Gen Z stare" was first explored in research conducted by Kaiden Jones.[11]