The so-called Gen-Z stare is probably something we've all had to deal with, or do ourselves, but now an expert has explained why it could mean the generation is doomed, or 'cooked' as the kids might say.

A generational debate has started over Gen Z’s tendency to respond to various social situations with a long and intentional stare.

Banarsë compared it to the "Millennial Pause," a brief moment of silence before speaking in a video, adding that today's social quirks go viral more quickly. Banarsë added that the stare is part of Gen Z's move toward authenticity and boundary-setting—where emotional labor isn't automatically performed to meet outdated norms.

Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old political content creator who has over 395,000 followers on TikTok, is running for Democratic nomination in Arizona’s 7th District after only turning the minimum age to serve in Congress in April.

TikTok loves to argue — and the latest spat is over the so-called Gen Z stare. You might have a few questions like: 1) what's the Gen Z stare? and 2) why is TikTok fighting over this? and 3) who would spend their time fighting over this?

She also reckons some cases are a misclassified “customer service stare”, which happens when a customer says something “ridiculous”, while other genuine Gen Z stares are simply a refusal to pretend to enjoy social interactions they don’t actually like.

I F YOU THOUGHT a reusable water bottle was a plain, boring receptacle—brought out of the cupboard only for long hikes—then you would be wrong. For Gen Z, a water bottle is both a necessity and a fashion statement. Social media are awash with videos of tumblers. The hashtag #WaterTok has 2.5bn views on TikTok.