I afore mentioned this playlist of resources on this blog, but they're just so informative and relevant that I can't help but make notes.
I am finding with this game in particular how strong little reminders like the above can be. A simple message can be so powerful and yet so gently articulated. These are the kinds of sentences that stick with you in the long term, and may be really helpful to remember going forward into writing for children.
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Notes
This YouTube channel, 'Screen Therapy,' has a budding playlist of content dedicated to how video games can benefit mental health. I've found it incredibly informative in explaining behaviours related to this topic and why things benefit us the way they do. 5 Lessons on Mental Health from ‘Animal Crossing’This article by Healthline explains thoroughly how and why Animal Crossing is so great for mental health and well-being. Key points: Social Interaction
Novelty
"...When our collective mental health is languishing, it’s even more important that we still have goals - even if those goals involve building a pretend bridge. Putting a stake in the ground gives us momentum that we might otherwise lack. It can be as simple as mastering a new craft or hobby, as silly as renovating our virtual homes on “Animal Crossing,” or as ambitious as a promotion at work. These goal-driven behaviors help contribute to our sense of purpose, fortifying our mental health even in lockdown. I believe that’s why a game like “Animal Crossing” can be a source of comfort - especially when the world seems to have come to a screeching halt. It gives us goals without overwhelming us; it offers a sense of connection and novelty that our brains thrive on." These are video resources I've gathered over the past few weeks about how Animal Crossing specifically has helped people with their mental health. Some are stories more personal and informational than others, but listening to all of these videos has greatly strengthened my confidence in this project's message. While academic sources are a strong research point, media from average people is just as valuable when it comes to an accessable and relatable topic as this.
What is mental health?
www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health Types of mental health problems. www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for Souces for mental health help. www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help What is well-being? www.cdc.gov/hrqol/wellbeing.htm Notes on these articles are in my sketchbook. Browsing through Netflix’s ‘coming soon’ page, I came across this new animated series that has a very unique and unorthodox feel to it. It is designed with children in mind, but it navigates topics differently to how I have seen in other children’s animations. In tone it is different to the mainstream.
"I think the term “meant for kids” has been misused to a great extent. Now, it means dumbing down things to such a level that there’s no connection between what’s happening on screen and what’s happening out there in the real world. Because the adults decided at some point that in order to protect kids from the horrors of the world i.e. discrimination, cultural appropriation, gentrification, erasure of history, they shouldn’t be exposed to it at all. When they become adults, they can handle it. And that’s so wrong because when all those “horrors of the world” hits you all at once, things get too overwhelming to handle, thereby leading to anxiety, confusion, and depression. So, it’s better to simplify the aforementioned topics and educate them for early age so that the urge to learn grows, which is something that the writers of the City of Ghosts clearly understand." Mashable, writing about City of Ghosts, and how children being exposed to difficult topics early on can help to prevent mental health problems. |
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