Ever notice that blank, zoned-out look from Gen Z in the middle of a conversation? From Chipotle counters to casual chats, the “Gen Z stare” is taking over—and it’s not just millennials hitting pause anymore. As an Elder Gen Z, I’m diving into this viral TikTok trend that’s got everyone talking. Is it our screen-addicted brains forgetting how to human? Or are customers just too impatient? From service industry struggles to everyday interactions, we unpack why Gen Z might be staring into the void—and what it means for Gen Alpha.