Gen Z is staring at you—exploring the underlying causes

In a time characterized by endless scrolling and short attention spans, one remarkable tendency among Generation Z is their steady, direct eye gaze. Both on social platforms and face-to-face, it has been observed that Gen Z is not hesitant to maintain eye contact. Although some might find it intense or uncomfortable, this generational habit signifies profound transformations in cultural principles, communication standards, and the digital environment that influenced their development.

This generational shift goes beyond simple social awkwardness or self-awareness. It speaks to how Gen Z is renegotiating the rules of engagement—visually, emotionally, and socially—in a hyper-connected world.

Raised with smartphones in hand and cameras pointed at them from an early age, Gen Z (typically defined as those born between 1997 and 2012) grew up in a world where being looked at is a constant. Unlike previous generations who eased into digital self-presentation, Gen Z has been navigating curated personas since childhood. This has likely contributed to their comfort—or at least their practiced ease—with eye contact, especially when filtered through a screen.

On platforms like TikTok, long stares into the camera lens have become almost performative, signaling vulnerability, authenticity, or comedic timing. It’s not just about being seen; it’s about controlling how one is seen. Gen Z’s gaze becomes a tool, a statement of presence, and often, an artistic choice.

Where millennials might have perfected the “candid” look-away in selfies or leaned into irony, Gen Z often favors directness. Their communication style—whether through memes, short-form video, or real-time reaction content—leans into transparency. Prolonged staring, particularly in front-facing camera videos, isn’t accidental. It’s part of a larger aesthetic where silence, awkwardness, or even discomfort are recontextualized as authenticity.

This visual directness also dovetails with broader generational traits. Gen Z tends to value honesty, mental health advocacy, and challenging social norms. In that context, the fixed gaze isn’t just a look—it’s a confrontation with the viewer, asking them to sit with something uncomfortable or real, even in a 15-second clip.

Although the gaze might seem self-assured or even aggressive, certain psychologists propose it may also function as a strategy for managing stress. Numerous individuals from Gen Z reveal experiencing significant anxiety, and their ease with maintaining eye contact through a camera could be an ironic consequence of digital disconnection. Addressing a camera lens is different from engaging in direct conversation. This digital screen may facilitate sustaining eye contact that would be difficult in a real-life setting.

Some propose that this conduct is influenced by being raised during a time of constant monitoring—by friends, organizations, and unknown people on the internet. The reaction? Confront the scrutiny directly. In this context, Gen Z’s tendency to stare might be interpreted as a way to regain control. Instead of evading others’ glances, they manage it.

Beauty decisions and cultural impact

Gen Z’s behavior doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Popular creators, influencers, and even fashion photographers have reinforced the norm of long, unbroken eye contact. Slow zooms on expressionless faces, intimate lighting, and raw angles—all amplify the emotional impact of a simple stare. In short, it’s become a visual shorthand for vulnerability or irony.

This cultural style also questions what older generations deemed visually appealing or courteous. Whereas Baby Boomers and Gen X emphasized appearance and manners, Gen Z prefers authenticity and often disrupts traditional boundaries. Their way of expressing themselves focuses less on flawlessness and more on authenticity—regardless if that authenticity comes across as awkward, heartfelt, or unemotional.

The impact on interpersonal communication

Offline, this habit is reshaping how social interaction is perceived. Some educators, employers, and older adults find it jarring when a Gen Z individual maintains intense eye contact in conversation—or alternately, when they’re completely disengaged in person but highly expressive online. This split dynamic between online and offline personas often blurs the line between authentic expression and performance.

Nevertheless, it would be simplistic to categorize the conduct as impolite or self-absorbed. In various aspects, it mirrors a generation’s adjustment to an ever-observant world. What might be seen as gazing could essentially be a visual expression of Gen Z’s wish to be perceived in their own context.

Tearing down the fourth wall—across all platforms

The cultural sensation of Gen Z’s unwavering stare aligns with their tendency to breach the fourth wall. Across various platforms, from TikTok monologues to business video conferences, a common pattern emerges: speak straight to the audience, maintain eye contact, and ensure the interaction feels intimate. This approach fosters a close bond, whether the communicator is an unknown individual or an acquaintance.

Within a crowded digital landscape, establishing closeness serves as a crucial distinguishing factor. Companies and media producers now deliberately emulate this approach, utilizing direct eye engagement to build confidence or form one-sided connections with viewers. To a great extent, Gen Z is spearheading the transformation of the concept of “genuine” in the realm of visual communication.

A modern form of social communication

Ultimately, the way Gen Z uses their gaze reveals a broader generational ethos. It’s a language of directness, shaped by technology and cultural shifts. In an environment saturated with information, holding someone’s gaze—virtually or physically—becomes a way to cut through noise, even without words.

The look can be unwavering, humorous, or inquisitive, yet it draws attention and fosters conversation. It goes beyond being a simple novelty or internet trend—it’s an expression about existence, self-perception, and the wish to engage, even amidst the disjointed realm of online communication.

As older generations learn to interpret these new visual cues, the long, quiet stare of Gen Z may well prove to be not a challenge, but an invitation: to slow down, look back, and understand each other through a new lens.