Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs A TikTok poster has reignited a years-old debate about the so-called “millennial pause,” and internet users are not holding back.In a now-viral video, the creator, Emma Nies or @emmaniess, shared the quirk she had observed in clips made by millennials: “Have you guys ever noticed that when older people post? And by older, I mean like 35, 40s and on, they always start the video … wait 1-2-3 seconds to make sure it’s filming, and then they smile and start talking. It’s kind of funny and cute,” Nies said in the clip.Her lighthearted commentary quickly drew attention, but not all of it was kind. Millennials—and even some Gen Z users—were quick to flood the comments with corrections and critiques. Newsweek reached out to @emmaniess via TikTok for comment.
What Is the Millennial Pause?”Millennial pause” refers to a brief hesitation before speaking in a video. It is a habit that comes from earlier social platforms, like Snapchat, where videos didn’t always start instantly.The term was coined in 2021 by TikTok user @nisipisa, and it gained mainstream attention after The Atlantic published an article about it the same year. While the pause is seen as a generational quirk, it also highlights the evolution of technology and how different age groups adapt.
A screenshot of the TikTok poster talking about the “millennial pause.” Internet users are not holding back with their replies.
A screenshot of the TikTok poster talking about the “millennial pause.” Internet users are not holding back with their replies.
@emmaniess/TikTok
The Internet ReactsWhile Nies’ video gained over 1 million views, her discussion about the pause sparked serious backlash in the comments.”It’s called the millennial pause. This has been addressed,” viewer Hannah posted, while EeeBe wrote: “I like how behind the curve you are—the millennial pause was clocked like 2 years ago.”Wiewer TWG commented: “[I] can’t imagine thinking I’ve discovered the millennial pause. little kids these days are so cute.” Others took issue with Neis using the word “older.””Older? How old are you??” asked Theresa. “I can’t believe you just said older and 35,” posted christymb1976.Others were more defensive: “I notice younger people being so obsessed with our generation. Like what?” wrote monicavspredator.Though the millennial pause has been around for years, it remains a talking point because it reflects deeper generational divides. Millennials, now in their late 20s to early 40s, grew up bridging the gap between analogue and digital, carrying over habits from less seamless technology.”31 yr old here hi,” commented viewer Dev. “It’s because when Snapchat first came out, you had to wait a second for it to actually start recording. It’s just a habit now lol [laugh out loud].”
