Entertainment's addictive nature and its potential to destroy human connection stands at the novel's core. Through the metaphor of the lethal film and various characters' obsessions, Wallace illustrates how passive consumption can lead to social isolation and the death of genuine human interaction.

The novel presents addiction not merely as substance dependence but as a fundamental human tendency toward escapism. Through parallel stories of drug addicts and entertainment consumers, Wallace demonstrates how various forms of addiction serve as coping mechanisms for deeper psychological wounds.

In a world of advanced technology and endless distractions, the characters' inability to form genuine connections reflects a broader societal failure to communicate meaningfully. The novel explores how language itself can both bridge and widen the gaps between people.