Gen Z thought their stare was iconic—then other generations explained it
“They just stare at you and don’t say anything.”
Here are the latest trending internet culture stories today:
Social media has exploded with discourse over the "Gen Z stare," Elon Musk announced two new AI companions for Grok, and Donald Trump's latest catchphrase has people saying hello to the gals.
— W.J.
⚡️ Today in Internet Culture
“You’re not verbally responding to basic interactions”: Zoomers are crashing out after other generations explain what the “Gen Z stare” actually is
Everyone knows what the Gen Z stare is. But apparently, Gen Z themselves missed the memo.
The idea of the “Gen Z stare” (or the “Gen Z gaze”) has been a hot topic on social media lately. Older generations had broached the topic in recent months, and zoomers on TikTok started responding with skits and videos in which they made it clear they thought the stare was a natural and earned reaction.
“Never pictured it as being a goth anime girl”: Elon Musk touts “pretty cool” Grok AI companions for premium subscribers, but not everyone agrees
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has made a significant shift from antisemitic rants to offering anime waifus for $30/month.
Musk announced on X this week that Grok’s “AI companions” are now live for Super Grok subscribers. Some people say they look like they were pulled straight from a teenage gamer’s dream (or nightmare).
“In some cases gals”: New Trump quote becomes a meme as the post itself gets ratio’d on Truth Social
Donald Trump’s frustration over his boys and, in some cases, gals continuing to demand answers about the alleged Jeffrey Epstein client list has become an unexpected meme.
🕸️ Crawling the Web
🪣 Viral “coffee buckets” are all over TikTok and Instagram, and if you're wondering what in the world that is, it's literally a coffee-filled bucket with a handle and a straw stuck in the top.
📝 A Walmart worker tells prospective employees to follow a few tips to stand out during the application process, including "do not call" and what to say about your availability.
📱 MrBeast is inviting all creators to join his "biggest collab ever," but no one can seem to DM him on X.
🛒 A video of messy Target aisles with clothes thrown everywhere has sparked a conversation about how customers treat retail workers.
🛍️ As prices soar at discount retailer Dollar Tree, one customer shares how much products cost now during their last trip to the store.
⚾ Mr. Met’s appearance at the Lumineers’ concert at Citi Field went viral after the mascot fell off the stage, and Mrs. Met defended her man.
🔥 Hot on the Dot
This was the most-read story on the Daily Dot yesterday:
➤ "I never thought we would see the day": Nail tech slams OPI for releasing at-home gel manicure set