Recruiter picks up on bizarre Gen Z habit you're probably guilty of – but there's one simple explanation

A recruiter has gone viral after pointing out a peculiar quirk they’ve spotted in their Gen Z job seekers, in what one person hailed "the phone version of the Gen Z stare".

The TikTok quickly divided viewers: some said it perfectly captured the awkwardness of modern communication, while others insisted it was completely normal for one rational reason.

In the clip that racked up almost half a million views, millennial Steff (@stefflittleford) shared: "I just found out that Gen Z don't answer the phone when they answer the phone. This has been happening to me for so long".

Steff went on to explain that when a Gen Z applicant answers the phone, they simply don't say anything. No 'hello', no 'who is this?'. Nothing.

"I think it's so weird," she added. "It's so awkward".

It didn’t take long for the comments to spiral, with Gen-Zers pointing to one clear reason: digital safety.

"It’s because most of the time it’s a scam, there have been cases where just saying hello or your name can lead to AI copying your voice for hackers, it’s not because we are inept in how to answer a phone," one hit back, as another reiterated: "Because of scammers! If I say hello, they can get my voice!"

A third repeated: "It’s definitely as 99 per cent of phone calls from unknown numbers are scammers now."

Others were quick to highlight that the person calling should lead the greeting.

"No, YOU called me, so tell me what you want or I’m hanging up," one person wrote.

Another suggested: "You called me? Say what you want, and I’ll answer."

So while older generations hear rudeness, Gen Z insists they’re just screening for scams – and who can blame them.

You may also like...

• British YouTuber accidentally captures Nepal’s Gen Z protests on his travels
• Gen Z get anxious about this everyday activity – sparking a debate online

Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter

How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel

Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.