As an early 90’s millennial, I’ve never noticed a “gen z stare” as described in news articles like a “blank face that shows lack of social skill or ability to think”. The only times I’ve witnessed it happen and seen the older person accuse them of “gen z stare” is when the older person says something off hand or dumb but isn’t self aware enough to realize they’re being weird. Hell, I’ve given people a blank face countless times because I was taught it was better to say nothing at all sometimes. Especially when it came to talking to older people at work.
I remember when I was 16, some middle aged guy at work accused me of having no personality. In reality, I kept all conversations short as possible with him (like almost everyone in the store) because they were casually racist and misogynistic.
Only encountered it once maybe two years ago. Was in a part of town I am not often around anymore and dropped in a coffee shop I used to frequent. The staff couldn’t have been much older than 20, all with bare midriffs that I have never seen in food service before (this is kind of a grungy art district spot, but still). Ordered my coffee and asked about their food which used to have some gluten free options, and got a blank stare for maybe 10 seconds.
That’s it. Just once. Not a general stereotype but I’m not exactly well traveled so maybe more regional?