It is a way of coping with anxiety. Fantasy formation can be a helpful tool in solving problems, however, it can be also very dangerous. The Tralfamodorians could be called Billy's fantasy formation. They allow him to become unstuck in time and revisit his past and future. This relieves him of the anxiety caused by his present life.
Television programming is fantasy formation on a huge scale.
Conflicts tie up neatly at the end of the show - they do not drag on for days or weeks or years as they can in real life, for example, a long standing argument with a family member. Human beings have an inclination to avoid pain, be it physical or mental. As people want to feel good, safe and happy, they will seek out anything relieves pain. They have no feelings of humanity whatsoever and are obsessed with killing. Even Roland Weary - he is armed to the teeth with his soldier's bible and three sided dagger.