Is it true that excessive exposure to illustrations can hinder a child's ability to create their own mental images?

There is research suggesting that excessive exposure to illustrations or images can reduce a child's ability to imagine and visualize things on their own. When children are constantly presented with visual representations, they may rely on those images rather than using their imagination to create their own mental pictures. This can impact their creativity and cognitive development.

For example, some studies show that children exposed to too many illustrations in books might struggle more with tasks that require mental imagery or the ability to picture things in their mind. A balance is important—while illustrations can aid understanding, especially for younger children or complex topics, it's also beneficial for children to engage with content that encourages them to imagine and visualize.