Imagine this: you’re scrolling through your phone, and you come across a meme that makes you laugh out loud. But instead of sharing it with everyone, you know exactly who needs to see it — your friend who loves cats or that history buff in your group chat.

Sending memes isn’t just about sharing a funny picture; it’s about sending a little digital gift, perfectly tailored to the person you are thinking of.

Interestingly, this act of sharing memes is not too different from what penguins do in the wild. Yes, penguins. When a male penguin wants to express affection or solidify a bond, he brings his mate a pebble. It’s not just any pebble, but one that he believes will appeal to her. In much the same way, sending memes to your friends is like pebbling: it’s thoughtful, personal and says, “I see you. I know what you like.”

The meme and the pebble: a perfect pairing

Memes, much like pebbles, aren’t one-size-fits-all. You wouldn’t send a meme about Genghis Khan’s environmental impact to your cat-loving friend, would you? Just like a penguin carefully selects the perfect pebble for his mate, we choose memes based on what we know will resonate with our friends. It is this personal touch that makes the act meaningful.

Penguins use pebbles to strengthen their bonds. Similarly, sharing memes strengthens friendships. It is a way of saying, “I get you.” When you send a meme, you’re not just sharing content; you’re creating a connection, reinforcing your relationship with that person in a small, but powerful way.

Why we share: the emotional connection behind memes

So, why do we do this? Why not just blast the same meme to everyone and be done with it? The answer lies in the emotional connection behind the act. When you send a meme to a friend, it’s not just about sharing a joke. It’s about communicating a shared understanding or inside joke that you both enjoy.

Consider the meme about Genghis Khan. To a history lover, it’s not just funny — it’s clever, a blend of knowledge and humour that speaks to their interests. For them, the meme becomes a form of intellectual camaraderie. On the other hand, your friend who adores cats may light up at the sight of a cute feline doing something silly. The meme you send is a reflection of what makes them happy; and in that moment, you’re sharing a little piece of joy tailored just for them.

Much like how penguins exchange pebbles as tokens of affection, we use memes to show our friends that we understand them and value what makes them unique.

The evolution of memes: from random to personalised

Memes weren’t always so personal. In the early days of the internet, memes were largely generic, shared en masse across platforms such as Facebook and X. They were viral in nature, designed to appeal to as many people as possible. But as our digital habits evolved, so did the way we interact with memes.

Now, we are far more selective in how we share them. Platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp have made it easier to send memes directly to individuals, making the act of sharing more intimate. It’s not about getting a hundred likes on a post any more; it’s about getting that perfect reaction from the person you sent it to. It’s about hitting the right note, just like a penguin finding the right pebble.

Memes have also evolved to become more niche. Whether it’s a meme about obscure history facts, niche hobbies, or even specific work experiences, there’s something for everyone. As a result, the memes we send now feel more like personalised gifts, rather than blanket jokes.

Pebbling in a digital age

Penguins aren’t the only animals known for gift-giving, but the simplicity and thoughtfulness of the act make it a powerful metaphor for how we share memes today. When a penguin chooses a pebble, it’s not just picking up any rock. It looks for something smooth, shiny, or unique — something it believes its mate will appreciate. This selection process mirrors how we pick out memes for our friends. It’s not about the meme itself, but about what it represents: a shared connection, a moment of joy, or a laugh you can enjoy together.

In a world where digital interactions often feel fleeting, sharing a meme in this way is like leaving a pebble on someone’s doorstep. It’s a small, thoughtful gesture that says, “I thought of you.”

The future of meme-sharing: will it always be this way?

Memes will continue to evolve, just as they always have. We may move from images to videos, GIFs, or even augmented reality in the future, but the heart of meme-sharing will remain the same. It’s not about the format or the platform; it’s about the connection between the sender and the receiver.

No matter how far technology takes us, sharing memes will always be about the personal touch. Just like a penguin delivering a pebble, we’ll continue to pick out the perfect meme for the people we care about, strengthening our friendships one laugh at a time.

Final thoughts

The next time you send a meme to your friend, think of it as a modern version of pebbling. Just like penguins carefully choose pebbles to show affection, we select memes based on what will resonate with the people we care about. In both cases, it is a simple yet powerful act of connection.

So, whether it is an historical joke or a cute cat meme, remember ... you’re not just sending an image. You’re sharing a little piece of yourself, thoughtfully packaged for the person you know will appreciate it most.

• Christian Chin-Gurret is a writer with a Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor of Science in Product Design, who offers a unique perspective on shaping the future of business through innovation, disruption and technology