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Journalism of Courage
First came the infamous ‘Gen Z Stare,’ defined as a blank, unreadable expression that’s become a viral symbol of how the younger generation communicates, especially at work. Now, in a playful cultural twist, Gen Z has turned the spotlight onto millennials, calling out what they see as an equally odd habit: the ‘Millennial Nod.’
It’s the compulsive, overly-affirmative head bob you might catch yourself doing in every conversation, be it at meetings, in casual chats, or even while simply listening. Often paired with a polite smile, the Millennial Nod is being called out as performative, overly accommodating, and sometimes even emotionally exhausting. What started as a harmless social cue has turned into a generational symbol of deeper differences in communication styles, emotional boundaries, and workplace behaviour.
Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist, Mindtalk, tells indianexpress.com, “Millennials often rely on gestures like nodding or smiling as a way to convey attentiveness, warmth, and agreement. This behavior has been shaped over time by both social conditioning and workplace expectations. Many millennials entered professional environments during a period that emphasised collaboration, emotional intelligence, and approachability. Non-verbal cues like smiling and nodding became soft skills that signaled engagement and team spirit.”
Additionally, she mentions that digital communication tools like video conferencing have made visible affirmations more important. In the absence of face-to-face interaction, a nod or smile is often used to compensate for silence, reassure the speaker, or show active listening. Over time, these cues may have become ingrained in their communication style both professionally and socially.
Gen Z’s subtler approach to expression is not necessarily a sign of disinterest or lack of empathy. Instead, Parashar notes that it often reflects “a different cultural and digital upbringing.” This generation has grown up with constant exposure to fast-paced, highly visual content, and they tend to value authenticity over performance in communication. Overuse of gestures may come across to them as performative or inauthentic.
Minimal expression is, for many Gen Z individuals, a form of conserving emotional energy and maintaining personal boundaries. It is also a way to express calmness or neutrality without feeling pressure to constantly affirm others. “Understanding this shift means recognising that communication styles are evolving and that different does not always mean disrespectful,” stresses the expert.
One of the healthiest ways to bridge generational communication gaps is to practice curiosity rather than judgement. “When we notice differences in expression or response, instead of assuming disengagement or insincerity, we can ask ourselves what values or experiences might be informing that behaviour,” explains Parashar.
In professional or personal settings, she explains, it helps to openly discuss preferred communication styles. “For example, a millennial might say they tend to nod as a way to show they are listening, while a Gen Z individual might share that their quietness is not disinterest but comfort. These conversations can build empathy and reduce assumptions.” Above all, recognising that no single style is superior encourages mutual respect.
