New technologically-oriented cartoons have been developed in the 1980s, and they may influence the attitudes and behaviors of their viewing audiences, who are comprised primarily of male children. A study analyzed "The Transformers" television program (a new robotic cartoon consisting of a mixture of violence, technology, space travel, and galactic adventure) specifically by examining the language, violence, and characters of the cartoon. The program was precipitated by two major forces: superhero cartoons and toy manufacture. The innovative toys, which can be manipulated to create various figures, contributed to the immense popularity of the program. To obtain information on children's perceptions of "The Transformers" television shows, 34 youngsters were asked to complete a questionnaire on the program and participate in an oral discussion about the cartoons, which they generally liked. At the same time, to analyze the program content, 37 college students rated "The Transformers" as to violence, characters, and language. Results indicated serious problems with the animated robotic adventure that included: inappropriate technical language, a complexity of evil lines, and a harsh way to portray a good moral. Although Transformer toys have given children a creative and modern puzzle form, the extension of "The Transformers" into a television series has negative associations for children. (Thirty-four references and one table are appended.) (MS)