Anime, manga, and games have emerged as globally influential and beloved forms of media, captivating audiences with unique storytelling, vibrant artistry, and immersive experiences. Although often held accountable for societal and individual issues such as addiction, social isolation, and aggression, their psychological benefits for youth warrant more discourse. This study argues that these media fulfill innate growth tendencies and fundamental psychological needs. Through thematic analysis of responses from semi-structured interviews with Malaysian youth aged 18 to 35, significant findings align with self-determination theory (SDT). Firstly, anime, manga, and games provide a sense of autonomy by allowing exploration of diverse narratives and meaningful choices within interactive environments, enhancing control and freedom which is crucial for psychological well-being. Secondly, they foster competence, as anime and manga characters often overcome challenges, inspiring problem-solving skills and resilience, while games reinforce players' abilities thereby boosting self-efficacy. Lastly, these media cultivate relatedness by creating communities and social networks where fans share interests and experiences. Online forums, fan conventions, and multiplayer games offer platforms for social interaction, reducing isolation and promoting belonging. Thus, anime, manga, and games are not merely recreational but significantly contribute to psychological well-being by fulfilling essential human needs. Integrating these media into mental health strategies aimed at enhancing youth well-being is highly advocated.

Authors:
Jasmine A.L. Yeap, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Jasmine A.L. Yeap is a senior lecturer in the School of Management at Universiti Sains Malaysia specializing in consumer behaviour. Her current project examines how youth's engagement with Japanese pop culture helps them cope with life stressors.

Additional website of interest
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Gup5fysAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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