Why Does Fantasy in Screen Media Deplete Childrenʼs Executive Function?
Abstract
In response to Hinten et al.'s (2025) meta-analysis of the impact of fantasy and fast pacing in screen media on young children, I present an information processing model in effort to explain the fantasy effect. Drawing on important work by Lang, I discuss how media might be processed, and why fantasy events could be particularly problematic. In essence, they may overload the cognitive system, which is trying to make sense of impossible events without the benefit of existing schemas that would reduce cognitive load. SUMMARY: We need better theory to guide research on why fantasy impairs executive function. Some ideas are provided here.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Media Influence and Health
Child Development and Digital Technology
Themes in Literature Analysis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Developmental Science
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 29
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- e70143–e70143
- Publication date
- 10 February 2026
- Language
- EN