Reason 1: Underdeveloped ability to understand 3D characters.
While kids develop a 20/20 vision between 6-12 months, the ability to see things in 3D and other aspects of a fully developed adult vision develop over a period of time, usually between 5-7 years.
And all of us are likely to be attracted to things we better understand, so it is 2D cartoons for kids.
Reason 2: Bright colour appeal
Because their eyes are still developing, bright and contrasting colours stand out more, thereby helping them better understand the world.
Reason 3: Parasocial interaction & relationships
Parasocial relationships are one-sided psychological relationships people develop with media characters as if they personally know the media characters.
And since kids’ social circles are limited, their parasocial relationships are deeper than for adults; so they find huge comfort in their parasocial contacts.
Reason 4: Needs’ match helps build trust.
A good part of a child’s life is about eating & sleeping, and cartoons cover these aspects repetitively and in far greater detail than regular programs.
This helps build trust with kids as, like all of us, kids build trust quickly with characters having needs and wants like theirs.
Reason 5: Fantasy helps address the need for novelty.
Children have an unending need for novelty, and cartoon characters with oversized eyes, etc., cater to this need as these are not things kids see in their day-to-day lives.
