Thanks for the link that is really fascinating, though I also want to acknowledge that I feel almost crazy if this is a prevalent thing and I haven't noticed?

I'd be kinda pleased if it were largely a rejection of performative positivity, one of the theories presented. I think we could all stand to be a bit more honest with each other about how things are going. Actually I think it's probably necessary, if we're ever going to meaningfully change.

I do worry about the ways the COVID pandemic (another theory) interrupted social development for an enormous number of kids, just huge. Though to be clear I was in favor of pretty strict, sweeping measures to limit spread, and don't feel differently today.

I bristled a bit at first, on the mention of "quiet quitting" - AKA behaving perfectly rationally, given the available opportunities and treatment today, by my measure. But the (still Wikipedia) article it links to is a solid overview of a collective action tactic, so hell yeah.

e: can't help but elaborate sometimes

This isn't really the gen Z stare, I'd describe that as a very neutral expression.

Honestly I don't actually think the Gen Z stare has much to do with the internet or COVID either, as much as it's just something that caught on among people in school. I think another large element is that Gen Z culturally a lot less judgemental of people who don't mask autistic traits.

The general nodding and 'mmhmm'ing we do to affirm we're paying attention is something that's effectively a social contract, although useful. The flip side of the Gen Z stare that people don't talk about is that Gen Z also don't mind recieving the Gen Z stare, and can converse through it.