“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.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.