You may have heard the term “Gen Z Stare” floating around on social media or in recent pop culture conversations. It refers to the unblinking, sometimes blank facial expression that has become common among members of Generation Z. While some see it as a humorous generational quirk, others recognize that it may reflect deeper emotional patterns shaped by trauma, culture, and our increasingly digital world.

In a recent interview with St. Louis Public Radio, Ashley Wilkinson, Clinical Site Supervisor at Provident Behavioral Health’s South County office, offered a deeper perspective on what’s really behind the “Gen Z stare”—and why it matters.

“We have to think about what this generation has been through,” Ashley shared during the interview. “They’ve grown up with constant exposure to news, crises, and social media. Their way of expressing emotion may look different, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t feeling deeply.”

Ashley emphasized how Gen Z’s experience with trauma—both personal and collective—has shaped how they engage with the world. From school shootings and global instability to the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this generation has navigated intense emotional landscapes from a young age. Add in the pressure of curated online identities and constant connectivity, and it’s easy to see why many Gen Z individuals default to what appears to be emotional detachment.

But it’s not all cause for concern.

Ashley also pointed out that Gen Z shows signs of incredible resilience, emotional intelligence, and a strong willingness to talk about mental health. Many are actively engaged in advocacy, are quick to seek help, and are rewriting the narrative around emotional expression.

“The ‘stare’ might be part exhaustion, part self-protection, or simply a new way of engaging,” Ashley explained. “What’s important is that we meet them with curiosity and compassion—not judgment.”

At Provident, we believe understanding generational experiences like these is crucial for effective mental health care. Our team of clinicians—including Ashley and others across our service sites—are committed to meeting young people where they are, listening without assumption, and helping them find meaningful ways to thrive.

Listen to Ashley’s full interview on St. Louis Public Radio:
https://www.stlpr.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2025-08-06/culture-trauma-social-media-gen-z-stare-st-louis

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: emotional support is just a call or text away. Dial 988 to reach a trained counselor anytime.

Learn more about our counseling services or request an appointment today on this website. 

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