"Paying it forward" is a concept where a person does a good deed for someone else, without expecting anything in return. Instead of repaying the original benefactor, the recipient is encouraged to help another person in need. This creates a chain of kindness that can spread throughout a community. The idea gained popularity through the book and movie titled Pay It Forward, which illustrates how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact. By fostering a culture of generosity, paying it forward promotes empathy and strengthens social bonds among individuals.