Sep 17, 2026 · 16 min · 9 segments
Today’s podcast briefly discusses how the cultural artefact of animation can influence adolescent development, particularly in the areas of identity, belonging, inclusiveness, and wellbeing. It also…
During my adolescent time, animation was more than just entertainment for me.
It was a mirror.
Movies like Kung Fu Panda, Toy Story, The Lion King and Mulan sparked deep questions during my teenage years.
I found myself asking who I am.
What is my life purpose? Why do I feel so lonely? What kind of women am I meant to become? During times with pressure from family, conflict with friends, and failures in exams, I tend to these stories for comfort and empathy.
Finding pieces of myself in the characters.
Even today, as a Christian, animation continues to inspire my faith and pushing me to examine my identity and calling.
It is actually the reason why I use Panda as my nickname.
The life story of Kung Fu Panda to discover who he is mirrors my own journey of finding my true identity in Christ.
After I became a teacher, I noticed that many of my kids spend a lot of time watching animations, probably even more than my generation did.
I think one reason animation is so accessible is that you don't need a strong background in literature or art to enjoy it.
Through image, music, character, and stories, young people can easily connect with it and find their own meanings.
From my observation and research, I found that animation can give adolescents opportunities to explore their identity, understand complex emotions, encounter different perspectives, and connect with others through fan art communities.
This is especially relevant during adolescence.
when young people are figuring out who they are, navigating relationships and school pressures, and trying to understand the wider world.
Research also suggests that identifying with median characters can be related to one's perspective-taking and empathy.
During my adolescent time, animation was more than just entertainment for me.
It was a mirror.
Movies like Kung Fu Panda, Toy Story, The Lion King and Mulan sparked deep questions during my teenage years.
I found myself asking who I am.
What is my life purpose? Why do I feel so lonely? What kind of women am I meant to become? During times with pressure from family, conflict with friends, and failures in exams, I tend to these stories for comfort and empathy.
Finding pieces of myself in the characters.
Even today, as a Christian, animation continues to inspire my faith and pushing me to examine my identity and calling.
It is actually the reason why I use Panda as my nickname.
The life story of Kung Fu Panda to discover who he is mirrors my own journey of finding my true identity in Christ.
After I became a teacher, I noticed that many of my kids spend a lot of time watching animations, probably even more than my generation did.
I think one reason animation is so accessible is that you don't need a strong background in literature or art to enjoy it.
Through image, music, character, and stories, young people can easily connect with it and find their own meanings.
From my observation and research, I found that animation can give adolescents opportunities to explore their identity, understand complex emotions, encounter different perspectives, and connect with others through fan art communities.
This is especially relevant during adolescence.
when young people are figuring out who they are, navigating relationships and school pressures, and trying to understand the wider world.
Research also suggests that identifying with median characters can be related to one's perspective-taking and empathy.
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