PapersOwl Survey Highlights New Boomerasking Trend and How Gen Z Misuses It to Warmily Connect
A study of 2,000 Americans aged 18-34 discovers the boomerasking phenomenon and the reasons behind it, as well as reflects on ways to avoid it in your conversations.
A recent PapersOwl survey of 2,000 American Gen Z discloses the growing impact of “boomerasking” — a conversational quirk where someone asks a question just to answer it themselves.
Boomerasking: Common, Subtle, and Often Unintentional
This behavior has become so common that most respondents have either encountered it or done it themselves without realizing it. The study shows that 84% of participants have been boomerasked at least occasionally, with 33% encountering it frequently. Meanwhile, 67% admitted to doing it themselves, and 94% agreed they often shift conversations toward their own experiences, even if unintentionally.
Boomerasking may not be malicious — it’s often a natural conversational reflex. However, it doesn’t mean it goes unnoticed, and it doesn’t mean it should be ignored.
What’s More Annoying: Talking Too Much or Boomerasking?
When asked which behavior was more frustrating, 29% disliked it when people only talked about themselves, 14% found boomerasking worse than bragging or complaining, and 41% said both were equally annoying.
Still, the PapersOwl study suggests that people aren’t necessarily against storytelling — they just want it to feel like an actual conversation, not a competition. Unfortunately, many struggle to acknowledge that they want to share something, so they mask it with strategies to make it sound more natural.
The Worst Offenders in Modern Conversation
Respondents also rated other conversational habits that irritate them the most:
· Interrupting constantly — 55%
· One-upping — 49%
· Fake listening — 48%
The root of many of these behaviors actually lies in personal boundaries — and how often we overstep them without realizing it.
Oryna Shestakova, Head of Communications at PapersOwl, commented on this:
Oryna Shestakova, Head of Communications at PapersOwl, commented on this:
“It’s no surprise that interrupting, one-upping, and fake listening top the list — all three behaviors are inherently self-centered. They reflect a conversational style that prioritizes the speaker’s need for attention or validation over a genuine connection. Interrupters often believe their input is more important, one-uppers redirect the focus to themselves, and fake listeners give the illusion of engagement while mentally checking out. The result? The other person feels dismissed, unheard, or outright ignored. These habits may not be intentionally rude, but their emotional impact is real — they break trust and shut down meaningful dialogue.”
Who Is Guilty After All?
Despite being annoyed by these habits, many respondents (surprisingly) admitted to doing the same things:
· 51% overshared;
· 43% fake-listened;
· 35% interrupted;
· 35% gave unsolicited advice;
· 32% trauma-dumped;
· 27% humblebragged;
· 18% one-upped others.
The paradox is clear. While we dislike these habits, we also unconsciously engage in them. Again, this points back to unclear or unexamined personal boundaries of ourselves.
Why Do We Do It?
When asked why these behaviors happen, respondents cited:
· Keeping the conversation going – 27%;
· Social anxiety – 25%;
· Making a point – 22%;
· Processing thoughts out loud – 21%;
· Seeking validation or attention – 12%.
These responses suggest that boomerasking and similar habits aren’t always about ego — they’re often attempts to connect, cope, or be heard.
A Better Way to Communicate
While boomerasking is often unintentional, it reflects a deeper need to be seen and understood. If we become more mindful — pausing before responding, asking follow-up questions, and embracing silence — we can create more meaningful, two-sided conversations.
For a full report on Gen Z's boomerasking habits and unintentional strategies to connect without being vulnerable or exposed, visit here.
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