What photography technique takes normal-sized items and makes them look like they are
miniature?

that is true. stravinsky's rite of spring ballet is a prime example of with its focus on prehistoric culture, costumes, and dancing.

personally, i think the games do because it's actually them controlling it. this might cause them to think it's okay to do it for real. as for animated movies i think they are mostly fine because they're animated. also, animation has come a long way causing animated movies to become more real but 30 years ago this wouldn't be as big of a problem as today.