Cartoons and video games don't hypnotise the mind. Cartoons, like all fiction, present you with things to think about and talk about (though admittedly some shows provide more brain fodder than others - like Bluey will provide more to ponder and talk about than In the Night Garden would for example). Video games involve a lot of thinking and a lot of skills.

One of the best things I did with my nephew was involve him in gaming early, including both video games and board games. I'm definitely going to game with my kids.

Technology itself is not a bad thing and video games and cartoons aren't bad for kids. Thinking that it is bad is on par with people earlier thinking rock music was bad. On the other hand, using technology to avoid interacting with a child is not the right way to use technology and can be bad.