THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF CARTOONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN CHILDREN

This article examines the psychological impact of cartoons on the development of emotional intelligence in children within the context of contemporary digital culture. As children are increasingly exposed to animated media from an early age, cartoons have become powerful agents of emotional and social learning. Emotional intelligence, which includes emotional awareness, empathy, self-regulation, and interpersonal competence, develops intensively during childhood; therefore, the narratives, characters, and emotional scenarios presented in cartoons can significantly shape this process. Furthermore, the psychological influence of cartoons is mediated by factors such as parental guidance, cultural context, developmental stage, and individual temperament. Consequently, when selected thoughtfully and accompanied by reflective discussion, cartoons can serve as constructive tools for fostering emotionally intelligent and socially adaptive individuals..