Pebbling refers to the behavior of sending partners, friends, and family memes, small gifts, or performing small deeds to let them know you are thinking of them to build social connection. Pebbling is an accessible, efficient, and inclusive low-risk form of communication that can provide a validating and comforting emotional impact.[1] Pebbling promotes human bonding through homophily.[2]
Examples of physical pebbling including sending postcards, handwritten notes, picking flowers, or purchasing trinkets.[3][1] Digital pebbling includes sending memes, videos, tweets, and TikToks.[4] A stoppage in pebbling could be interpreted as ghosting.[5]
Pebbling originates from Adélie penguin and Gentoo penguins who present smooth pebbles used for nest-building to their partner as part of their courtship display.[6][7]
Penguin Behavior
editAdélie penguin and Gentoo penguins are species of penguins that present smooth pebbles used for nest-building to their partner as part of their courtship display. Male Gentoo penguins, who mate for life, will present a female with a stone. If a female is impressed, she too will find a stone, and they will go back and forth collecting the perfect rock collection until a nest is built [8].
Like the Gentoo penguins, Adélie penguins live on icy ground when they are on land. They use the pebbles to line a small depression in the ground, where the stones can keep the eggs dry by allowing snow and water to flow around them.[9]
Within the Neurodivergent Community
editAs a form of nonverbal communication, pebbling gestures are used by neurodivergent people who struggle with traditional forms of affection.[6][7][10] It is considered one of the five neurodivergent love languages, the others being: infodumping, parallel play, support swapping, and deep pressure.[11] Some neurodivergent people have a different way of processing and experiencing emotions and information.
References
edit- ^ a b Edelman, Amelia (26 June 2024). "Always sending memes to your loved ones? It's called 'pebbling.' Here's why experts say the trend has its pros and cons". Yahoo Life. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ Wong, Brittany (10 July 2024). "You Should Be 'Pebbling' More In Your Friendships". HuffPost. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ Travers, Mark (Jul 11, 2024). "A Psychologist Explains 'Pebbling'—A Wholesome Dating Trend On The Rise". Forbes. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ Giddings, Alice (3 June 2024). "'Pebbling' is the wholesome dating trend that justifies your meme addiction". Metro. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ Marano, Hara Estroff (June 19, 2024). "Why "Pebbling" Can Be So Good for a Couple". www.psychologytoday.com. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ a b Caldwell, Sophie (June 19, 2024). "What is pebbling? All about the love language inspired by penguins". Today. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ a b Alao, Lola Christina (14 June 2024). "What is Pebbling? Dating trend reminiscent of penguin behaviour explained". Evening Standard. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ Schueman, Lindsey Jean (May 30, 2024). "Gentoo penguins gift one another stones to show their love". Retrieved November 1, 2024.
- ^ Lipuma, Lauren (November 9, 2021). "The stone thieves". Retrieved November 1, 2024.
- ^ McGorry, Amy (5 July 2024). "Why 'pebbling' is the new social media love language inspired by penguins". Fox News. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ Selvam, Betsy (January 22, 2021). "The Five Neurodivergent love languages". Stimpunks.org. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
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