
Beware the 'Gen Z stare'! Why young people are refusing to greet you
Members of Generation Z, currently aged 13 to 28, are struggling to make small talk in shops, restaurants and cafes.
In a recent online video, a young woman, identified as a food industry worker, recounted a perplexing customer interaction that has sparked conversations about clarity in ordering. The incident involved a customer who requested a "cheeseburger with no cheese" but then specifically asked for "pepper jack" on her burger. The worker, initially confused, clarified that pepper jack is a type of cheese offered by the establishment. However, the customer reportedly became agitated, insisting, "Clearly I'm not talking about the cheese then," and later clarified that she desired "fried jalapeños," not the cheese, stating, "I want the pepper jack that's not the cheese." The employee expressed her frustration with the contradictory request, noting that the customer became increasingly upset and even resorted to name-calling when the order, containing pepper jack cheese, was delivered. The video highlights the challenges faced by service industry workers in interpreting ambiguous customer demands.
Members of Generation Z, currently aged 13 to 28, are struggling to make small talk in shops, restaurants and cafes.