Tamagotch-ya Stress, Now Breathe!
Who here remembers Tamagotchis? The virtual pets from the 90's are low-tech examples of ritualized care and gamification of mindfulness practices. Two blog posts come together to highlight some of the ways Tamagotchis are still teaching people to slow down decades after their original release.
" Now, I’m not going to pretend that this children’s toy is more prolific than it actually is, or even that it provides a worthwhile experience past a week or two. But I did find that the Tamagotchi’s utility extends beyond mere entertainment and into an exercise of mindfulness. The tiny egg demands near-constant attention from you at times, either by (admittedly annoying) beeps or by silently waiting to be rescued. When I made the commitment to check on my pet more often, I was really committing to being present and aware, something I struggle with as an anxious adult." (Ford, 2022)
Chandler Ford writes on Medium.com that when she got a Tamagotchi again as an adult, she became invested in keeping this digital pet alive. Easier said than done, she eventually reached the highest evolution of her Tamagotchi. She soon realized that beyond just a feeling of wanting to "win" by keeping it alive, the pocket pet was helping her practice mindfulness throughout the day. This made my wonder if virtual pets had other positive benefits which brought me to inQubi.
" A virtual pet can become a wonderful part of a support system to improve mental health. From being a forever friend that is always available and ready to reduce stress, to being a source of joy, motivation, and purpose, it’s worth the time to explore which virtual pet suits your personality and preferences the best." (inQubi, 2025)
This blog lists five ways that digital pets maybe beneficial. Some of the recurring topics across both posts are that the digital pets provide a chance to escape the daily chaos and bring your focus to a companion that needs you. Is there a way to incorporate a digital companion in backseat settings?
References
Ford, C. (2022, June 15). Mindfulness Gen 1 or: How I learned to stop worrying and love my Tamagotchi. Medium. https://medium.com/@chandlerwrites/mindfulness-gen-1-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-my-tamagotchi-f29dc66a51b3
inQubi. (2025). 5 reasons virtual pets are good for mental health. inQubi. https://inqubi.com/blog/5-reasons-virtual-pets-are-good-for-mental-health/
