Hunida Gindil Abu Backer
ABSTRACT
This paper investigated the impact of fantasy in Japanese anime on Arab children's thinking development, identity formation, and understanding of reality. A mixed-method approach saw experts from media, education, psychology, and law analyze anime contents and risks. 86% identified its entertainment merit; however, 74% recognized risks related to misinformation, supernatural content, and violence. A high correlation (R² = 0.272) between fantasy-based misinformation and supported false beliefs was established. Furthermore, 41% of the experts supported regulation of content to counterbalance creativity with factual accuracy. The research calls on policymakers, educators, parents, and content producers to design imaginative content that promotes creativity at a developmental as well as a cultural level. The research calls on policymakers, parents, educators, and producers to conduct more research on extended media exposure as well as on cross-culture. The research guides policymakers, educators, parents, and producers in creating imaginative content that fosters creativity developmentally and culturally.
