This unusual object is the new anti-depression trend of winter
This funny pet accessory has a nose, two eyes, a mouth, sometimes even an expression! Like a doll, thousands of young people have decided that it could just as easily replace an animal: less restrictive, more versatile. Discover the pet stone!
The fashion for pet rocks was born in the 1970s, invented by an American advertiser, who, using the second degree brilliantly, sold them in small boxes with a manual: “how to take care of your pebble”. An article from International Mail relates this funny trend reported by a Singaporean daily, Lianhe Zaobao : In China, these little stones have become a fashion phenomenon among young people who go so far as to spend 7 euros for a beautiful, smooth stone to customize themselves!
The making of an object of affection
Owners of pet stones have fun decorating them: plastic eyes, mouths, sometimes even little clothes or makeup! You can learn online how to maintain them, wash them, create a cozy little nest for them… More surprisingly, according to local media, the owners of these household stones are generally aged 25 to 30, 80% of whom are women. But why is such a concept popular? It is based on humor and simplicity. At a time when everyday responsibilities can quickly cause stress, a “pet stone” offers an absurd, stress-free alternative and a perfect subject of buzz on social media!
For the journalist from the local daily, this fashion goes beyond the ironic or offbeat side: it talks about objects of affection, to whom we can talk like a dog, a cat or a goldfish. On TikTok we can see numerous videos featuring a pet stone: all of them emphasize the ease of projecting an emotional need onto this small object, which nevertheless appears cold and innocuous. Some people find a calming aspect in the idea of having a symbolic and pressure-free companion object. For the journalist, the stone becomes for an entire generation a solution against loneliness, a sort of virtual confidant!
The reflection of an immense need for comfort
While the idea of having a pet rock may seem absurd, the emotional bond that one can feel towards a pet rock is based on existing psychological and emotional mechanisms. When we adopt it, this stone can “give affection” in a symbolic way but above all offer us a receptacle for our emotions and has anti-stress properties. By painting a face or giving a name to the stone, it becomes an object with an identity, and this then establishes an emotional bond. Having a constant and immutable object can even offer a feeling of presence, whether it reacts or not.
The pebble can therefore represent solidity, stability, and act on the owner as a reliable and reassuring support when exposed to turbulence in their personal life, for example. Also, like the great fashion of Tamagoshi in the 90s, the idea of “taking care” of a stone generated a satisfying feeling of responsibility. To have fun with the absurdity of life or for a little part of the journey, treating ourselves to a pet stone can bring us a certain well-being! This little object could allow us to find shelter for some of our emotions and to have fun like with our childhood dolls.