The so-called “Gen Z stare”—a deadpan, unsmiling facial expression often seen in selfies and social media videos—has attracted growing cultural and psychological interest. While it has not yet been a major topic of peer-reviewed psychological research, related studies suggest it may reflect generational themes around identity, visibility, emotion regulation, and digital self-presentation.
The Gen Z stare is characterized by a neutral or blank facial expression. In photos, the Gen Z stare looks like direct, unblinking eye contact with the camera, with no smile or overt emotion. Unlike previous generations who often aimed to appear friendly, like they were having a good time, many Gen Zers seem to be adopting a flat, emotionally neutral look. It can be hard to tell whether it’s ironic or authentic – or both!
What might be behind it?
1. Emotional Self-Protection
Research suggests that neutral facial expressions can serve as a form of emotional regulation (Verma, et al, 2023). A flat neutral expression may serve as a shield against judgment or overexposure. A common Gen Z anxiety is appearing “cringe” or too eager. Emotional suppression in digital spaces may be used to signal that they are in control and not performing.
2. Resistance to Performative Positivity
Media psychology studies are showing a generational shift from aspirational to relatable or “authentically unimpressed” self-presentation (Abidin, 2023). Gen Z tends to be more skeptical of polished, overly curated social media personas. So the stare could be a rejection of the “smile for the camera” culture of Millennials and Gen X. It could indicate an embrace of authenticity, irony, and even boredom as past aesthetic values.
3. Cultural Saturation and Desensitization
Many Gen Zers grew up online, being constantly exposed to endless imagery and emotional content. The stare may reflect a kind of emotional fatigue or desensitization to typical modes of online expression. A jaded, detached posture that says, “I’ve seen it all,” can be linked to the “affective flattening” observed in overstimulated digital environments (Suler, 2004).
4. Influence of Anti-Beauty Norms and Gen Z Aesthetics
In contrast to the posed “Instagram face,” the Gen Z stare often defies conventional beauty norms. It often rejects hyper-femininity or glamor and embraces rawness, ambiguity, or even awkwardness. This reflects what beauty scholars call the “aesthetic of resistance”—where such indifference becomes part of the brand (Tiggemann & Zaccardo, 2018).
To other Gen Zers, the stare may signal a cool detachment, showing that they understand the irony, especially when selfies are paired with absurd captions or filters.
In sum, the Gen Z stare isn’t just a blank look—it’s an important signal. It pushes back against older norms of digital self-presentation, reflects changing attitudes toward visibility and authenticity, and may also be a subtle form of emotional boundary-setting in an age of constant exposure.
Copyright 2025 Tara Well, PhD.