“Skibidi Toilet” Cartoon: The Impact of Media on Children’s Development
There have been some stories or news covering the latest cartoon on YouTube called “Skibidi Toilet”. But what it is exactly about?
The Slenderman of Gen Alpha, Skibidi Toilet is a YouTube series that has been available since February. It does share certain characteristics with the stranger kids' stuff on YouTube, particularly the overstimulated animation style. However, Skibidi Toilet has developed into a character with its own narrative and does not appear to be suitable for children.
How this kind of cartoon or entertainment can inflict children’s development?
In today’s digital age, children are immersed in an excess of media, ranging from television shows and movies to video games and online content. While media can provide both educational and entertainment benefits, its influence on children’s development can be complex, with potential positive and negative effects. To better comprehend the impact of media on children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, it is crucial to explore relevant theories that shed light on this dynamic relationship. These are connected into two key theories — the Social Learning Theory and the Cultivation Theory — to gain a deeper understanding of how media can affect children’s development.
The Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura in the 1960s, posits that children learn by observing and imitating others in their environment, including family members, peers, and media figures. Consequently, media can shape children’s behavior, attitudes, and beliefs through observational learning.
On the positive side, educational programs in the form of TV shows and online content can enhance children’s cognitive development by promoting language skills, problem-solving abilities, and general knowledge. Additionally, media content featuring positive social interactions, empathy, and cooperation can encourage children to exhibit prosocial behaviors in their real-life interactions.
However, the Social Learning Theory also highlights potential negative impacts. Exposure to violent media content can lead to an increase in aggressive behavior and desensitize children to violence. Moreover, media figures, both real and fictional, can become role models for children, influencing their beliefs and behaviors, which may not always align with societal norms or positive values.
Moving on to the Cultivation Theory, developed by George Gerbner in the 1970s, this theory focuses on the long-term effects of media exposure, particularly television. According to this theory, constant exposure to specific media messages can shape an individual’s perception of reality and influence their attitudes and beliefs about the world.
On the positive side, media can expose children to diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, fostering tolerance and cultural awareness. Furthermore, regular exposure to media content can enhance children’s media literacy skills, enabling them to critically analyze and interpret media messages.
However, the Cultivation Theory also highlights potential negative impacts. Repetitive media portrayals of stereotypes may perpetuate biases and influence children’s perceptions of different social groups. Additionally, commercial advertisements can encourage materialistic attitudes and values in children, leading to a focus on material possessions rather than meaningful experiences.
In conclusion, media plays a significant role in shaping children’s development and understanding the theories that underpin this influence is vital, especially for the parents themselves. While media can offer valuable educational content and foster positive social behaviors, it can also expose children to violence, stereotypes, and materialism, potentially impacting their cognitive, social, and emotional development negatively.
To ensure a healthy media experience for children, adults must actively engage with them, co-view media content, and encourage critical thinking. By striking a balance between supervised media exposure and other forms of play, learning, and social interactions, caregivers can help children maximize the benefits of media while minimizing potential negative effects on their development.