narrative or technology?

I'm writing my project proposal. My sister and friend are in the same room watching Buffy. It may seem ironic (or normal!), but I'm really struggling to distract myself from it, or perhaps not allow myself to become distracted.

Is it the pretty glow radiating from the screen? The engaging and attention seeking soundtrack? Or because (in JD from Scrubs' words), I'm a self-saboteur? Is it based in the opportunity for narrative absorption, escapism? If so, is it because we enjoy narrative, because it explores themes and issues that we all deal with, the human condition, and the writers have managed to make sense of it. There's resolution, motivation, reason. And a formula to boot. Answers, unfolding right in front of us. The alternative; life, is (seemingly) never-ending. We rarely experience the satisfaction of complete resolution. Narrative provides us with the satisfaction of resolution.

And if the desire for narrative is the main driving force behind our escapism tendencies, as opposed to the new opportunities provided by technology, then we have a long and complex history to deal with... perhaps beginning with the Dreamtime stories. But then you raise a whole new set of questions. Are stories created for entertainment or educational purposes?

Another series of issues to continue to explore.