A recent study has revealed that the phenomenon known as 'Gen Z stare'—where young people reportedly stare blankly without responding to questions—stems from a genuine decline in verbal communication among the younger generation, rather than a mere generational misunderstanding.
According to a report by The Washington Post, the findings were published in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science. The term 'Gen Z stare' combines 'Gen Z' (those born between 1997 and 2006) with the English word 'stare,' describing the behavior of young individuals who do not respond to greetings or inquiries but instead gaze silently at others.
This behavior has gained traction on social media, resonating with older generations who have expressed frustration over the lack of verbal interaction from younger individuals. Posts lamenting the tendency of young people to simply look at others without exchanging pleasantries or small talk have proliferated online.
The study found that from 2005 to 2019, the average number of words spoken daily by Americans decreased to 338, equating to about 120,000 words annually. Notably, the decline was more pronounced among those under 25, who averaged a drop of 415 words per day, compared to a reduction of 314 words for those over 25.
The researchers identified increased social media usage as a contributing factor. They noted, “Younger individuals are more likely to communicate through text or social media, which may lead to a greater loss of spoken words compared to older adults.”
This research involved a reanalysis of extensive data collected by Valerie Piper, a professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, from 2,197 participants aged 10 to 94 regarding their everyday conversations.
Some experts argue that the reduction in spoken communication should not be viewed solely as a change in communication style. Face-to-face conversations require working memory and attention, as individuals must listen to others and prepare responses simultaneously. In contrast, text messages or emails allow for delayed responses and less immediate pressure, as well as a reduced need to remember details due to written records.
Technological advancements have also played a role in this shift. Nowadays, ordering at restaurants or cafes can be done through kiosks, and generative AI tools like ChatGPT can handle everything from simple inquiries to complex information searches, further decreasing the need for direct human interaction.
Cal Newport, a professor at Georgetown University, told The Washington Post, “Our social brains recognize that investing time and attention in someone is an important signal. Ironically, as socializing becomes easier, we may find ourselves less connected and lacking in social skills.” This suggests that the challenges of face-to-face interactions are contributing to the trend of reduced verbal communication among younger generations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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