With « pebbling », humans use penguins as a model for dating

To show their affection, penguins offer carefully selected pebbles to their partner. These are used to build their nest and are a sign of affection and care. They also show that the penguin wants to become a mating partner with the other. What is fascinating is that penguins do not offer just any pebble to their partner. They must carefully choose a pebble that is not too light so that it does not blow away, round enough for the female to sit on comfortably without damaging the eggs, and it must have the perfect shape to stack harmoniously with the other pebbles to build the nest. This practice, which has caught the attention of the internet, is called « pebbling»  (« pebble » meaning « stone »).

In the modern world of digital dating, this ritual translates into sending memes, reels or TikToks to one's crush. Like penguin pebbling, sending a video to your significant other shows that you thought of them. We've all experienced seeing a video and immediately thinking of someone, feeling the urgent need to share it with them. Journalist and sexologist Gigi Engle explained to Metro UK that sending memes is indeed a modern affectionate gesture: « I think pebbling is the cutest thing ever because memes are a love language these days. Pebbling was born with the advent of sending memes as a way to bond with people. »

On further investigation, it seems that « pebbling » particularly resonates with the neurodivergent community. A significant number of TikToks explain that the act inspired by penguins is part of the love languages for neurodivergent people. According to GetGoAlly, « personalized gifts are a unique way of communication, allowing autistic people to express their love and show consideration for others, fostering meaningful connections. It is essential to recognize that not all autistic people practice pebbling, and the practice varies among individuals. » For people who struggle to express their emotions, pebbling can be an accessible way to say « I thought of you ».