Among humans, Relationship clues From penguins.
“Pebbling,” as some experts call it, is a social media trend that involves sending memes, videos, and links to one another to show connection and affection.
Social media heavyweights claim the name was inspired by gentoo penguins, who are known for leaving pebbles in the female’s nest as a sign of affection.
Psychologists say social media ‘sadfishing’ trend could be a sign of a ‘worrying’ problem
“Sending a meme, link or video to someone is a simple gesture that lets them know you’re thinking about them and wanting to share in their joy,” Dr Adam Grant, a psychologist at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, wrote on his X account.
“It’s called pebbling because penguins give pebbles to potential partners,” he continued. “Pebbling is an act of compassion. Every pebble is a search for connection.”
According to some relationship experts, the relationship trend known as “pebbling” involves sending memes, videos and links to one another in an effort to connect and show affection. (iStock)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Grant for further comment.
Some young couples told Fox News Digital that throwing pebbles is a unique way to bond and let their significant other know they’re thinking of them.
Psychologist reveals 7 ways parents can boost their kids’ happiness by helping them find their purpose
Abby and Cooper, a young couple in their 20s from Maryland (they declined to give their last names for privacy reasons), told Fox News Digital that Pebbles is a fun and easy way to show affection.
A new phenomenon trending on social media – “pebbling” – is based on penguins’ habit of throwing pebbles at potential mates, psychologists say. (AP Photo/Juichiro Sato, File)
“I send her Instagram Reels videos that relate to things Abby has done in the past, and I also send her TikToks about murder mystery shows and cute animals to pique her interest,” Cooper told Fox News Digital.
The young couple said laying the pebbles helped them stay connected even when they were apart.
“Laying a pebble is an act of compassion. Every pebble is an attempt at connection.”
“I’m always sending Coop new restaurants I discover and foods and recipes I want to try,” Abby told Fox News Digital.
“It’s also a signal to say, ‘Hey, let’s try this,’ but it also brings us closer because we can do it together. We both love food, so you can’t go wrong with food memes or TikToks.”
Parents smashing eggs on their kids’ heads as part of TikTok trend: What psychologists say
In addition to serving as a shared expression of affection between couples, pebbling can also serve as a bridge to connect adults and children, relationship experts told Fox News Digital.
“Sharing memes and online Reels in a family group chat is a great way to foster connection with teens during a time when face-to-face communication is difficult. Parents and Children “The symptoms become less severe and more bothersome,” Christine McInnis, a licensed family therapist in Torrance, California, told Fox News Digital.
Experts said sharing memes, links, GIFs and videos gives parents the opportunity to show their kids they’re thinking about them. (CyberGuy.com)
“For kids growing up in the digital age, it feels less tense and more secure,” she added.
Sharing short video clips could help the two of them find common ground, the therapist said.
McInnis’ 17-year-old daughter said she enjoys the connection. With the family.
A warning for moms and dads about the popular “sharenting” trend
“Sharing TikToks is fun because it’s more entertaining and a more sophisticated way of communicating,” the teenager said in a text message to Fox News Digital.
Pebbling is also used in communities with neurodevelopmental disorders as an effective communication tool, social workers told Fox News Digital.
Two African penguin chicks in their enclosure at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. The trendy name “pebbling” was likely inspired by penguins leaving pebbles in their mate’s nest as a sign of affection. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
“We have had many years of well-documented success. Neurodiverse Community “Pebbing has also been used more recently to describe expressive gestures in other types of relationships, such as dating and friendships, but it may also enhance communication between parents and teens,” Elissa Giffords, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker and professor and director of the social work program at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, told Fox News Digital in an email.
Click here to sign up for our lifestyle newsletter
By sharing memes, links, GIFs and videos, parents can Show it to your kids They are thinking of themselves, she noted.
“Even if kids are shocked or think what they receive is strange, it still sends the basic message that we’re thinking about you,” Giffords said.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Throwing pebbles can help parents show affection, empathy and care in just the right way, but experts warned that the timing and quantity of the message also matters.
“Sharing memes and online reels is a great way to foster connections with teens at a time when face-to-face communication can be difficult.”
“Parents should beware “Be careful not to go overboard when giving ‘pebbles,'” Giffords says.
If used intentionally, Pebble can be an activity both parties can enjoy and potentially provide an opportunity for discussion afterward, she added.
For more lifestyle stories, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
“It might be hard for some people if you’re always sending memes instead of talking directly because it means less communication,” one woman pointed out.
While Pebble can help deepen relationships, it shouldn’t be the only means of communication between two people, couples and parents told Fox News Digital.
