According to statistics, about 80% of teenagers watch cartoons. Shows like Adventure Time, Gravity Falls, Rick and Morty, and The Owl House are fan favorites among children and adults alike. So what is the hype behind the technicolor world of animation?

For many, cartoons hold a sense of comfort and nostalgia. With the pressures of growing up in this day and age, there’s something refreshing about falling back into the safety net of your childhood. Cartoons offer an escape from reality, allowing you to unwind with silly characters and easy-to-follow plotlines.

“Things are simple and the colors and art styles remind me of childhood cartoons,” says
Jonathan Mendez, a young adult who’s still drawn to the vibrant colors of animation.

These shows provide a simplified version of reality, often with the promise of a happy, full-circle ending. This sense of reassurance can help calm people with anxiety. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that soothing animations trigger the part of your brain that reduces stress hormones.

Although Cartoons can function as a nostalgia joyride, a stress reducer, or simply a way to pass the time, there’s something complex about the simplicity of their storylines. Despite being marketed for younger audiences, many cartoons contain powerful messages and themes, such as the importance of family and friends, diversity, inclusion, and overcoming fears.

“I find comfort in them because even now, the things they teach are relatable,” says Max Sklar, a sophomore at Eleanor Roosevelt.

Like other forms of media, cartoons can strike a cord that hits home. Maybe not in setting and situation, but in the topics they address. This can act like a microcosm for real life, allowing people to see themselves and a story that resonates with them. There’s a sense of belonging in storytelling, no matter how straightforward the plot may be.

As Walt Disney once said, “Animation is often misunderstood as childish entertainment, but in reality, it has the power to touch hearts, provoke thoughts, and inspire imagination.”