CHARLOTTE, NC - A new Gallup poll indicates that a majority of individuals ages 15 to 29 deeply regret their role in contributing to a recent trend in elevator ride body orientation. According to the April 2026 poll, 87% of Gen Z respondents feel remorse for adopting the new and unconventional stance, wherein riders face the interior of the elevator car as opposed to its doors, as has been standard practice since the technology was introduced in the late 19th century.

“Okay, look. We didn’t really think this one through,” admitted 22 year-old poll participant Finley Chastain. “We just felt so weird staring straight ahead, like zombies or something. But this is so much more awkward. I think we should switch back to how it was before.”

Experts suggest that the 90-degree rotation is preferred by riders seeking to ease the psychological discomfort of standing still by repurposing elevator walls as seating for the duration of the ride, which lasts on average twenty seconds.

“That way they can look at their phones while assuming a position of studied insouciance,” explained sociologist Evie Blarth. “Otherwise they have to tilt their heads down sharply, to see their phones so close to their bodies. Much less cool looking. Honestly, I get it.”

In a related poll, Gen X individuals were surveyed on their reaction to the trend. Of those responding, 68% said they ignore the inward-facing riders, while 32% confessed to “glaring contemptuously” in hopes the riders would look up and feel the scorn they so deeply, if wordlessly, wished to convey.