When asked to vote on a generic ballot for 2026, older Gen Z and younger millennial voters, ages 22-29, backed Democrats by a 6-point majority. But younger Gen Z voters, ages 18-21, backed Republicans by nearly 12 percentage points.

What's behind the Gen Z stare, a blank look members of younger generations give in situations where a verbal response would be more common, is sparking discussion

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.

It's a blank, expressionless look often given by the younger generation in service roles. But experts explain there is a reason why this trend is emerging.

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of Gen Z's move toward authenticity and boundary-setting—where emotional labor isn't automatically performed to meet outdated norms.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, was running on a progressive platform to become one of the youngest members of Congress.

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.