Are Webkinz Digital ESAs?

When I first started thinking about virtual pets and ritualized care as a way of relaxing, I anticipated the focus to be on the gratification of caring for something and on the reminder to take a break from the stressful world around you. I thought that focusing on Webkinz would shift the focus back to kids. Then I found a blog from Tracy.3 at Medium that nearly brought me to tears.

As a kid, I also had a Webkinz. I wasn't allowed on the computer very often and so getting to play with the digital world of my stuffy was a real treat and motivator to finish my work. I have thought about getting one recently to try and bring back some of the old comfort I once felt from the digital platform. The author of the blog I found recounts finding the world of Webkinz as an adult and while struggling with the darkness they were facing around them.

" A cute kid’s game has helped me get through some extremely dark times by providing stability and positivity when all I see is darkness and despair. ... When I first started playing Webkinz, I didn’t see my playing the game as a form of therapy or a way to manage my mental health, I just saw it as something fun and cute to do as I relaxed at home. I’ve had bad depression ever since I was a child, but I mostly dealt with my issues by binging on drugs and alcohol." (Tracy.3, 2022)

I hadn't considered that Webkinz could have such a strong impact on users. How can digital pets be a potential relaxation tool for everyone, but especially back seat passengers?

References

Tracy.3. (2022, August 17). Webkinz Therapy: How an early 00s kid’s game is helping adults with their mental health. Culture Spiral / Medium. https://medium.com/culturespiral/webkinz-therapy-how-an-early-00s-kid-s-game-is-helping-adults-with-their-mental-health-8b704fd2cd57