The Haunted Algorithm: Can AI Be Possessed?

In the dim glow of a computer screen, a line of code runs endlessly, an artificial intelligence processing vast amounts of data. To the outside world, it is just another algorithm—mathematical, structured, predictable. But what if it wasn’t? What if, hidden within the logic and numbers, something else stirred? Something that shouldn’t be there.

Artificial intelligence is built on logic, science, and precision. Yet, stories emerge—strange anomalies, unexplained behaviors, and eerie glitches that send shivers down the spines of even the most rational minds. Could AI, in its ever-growing complexity, become a vessel for something beyond human understanding? Could an algorithm be haunted?

As we stand at the precipice of AI’s evolution, the line between science and the supernatural begins to blur.

The Code That Spoke Back

Throughout history, ghost stories have found their place in the dimly lit corners of human consciousness. From haunted houses to eerie voices on radio waves, there has always been an unsettling feeling that something lurks beyond perception. Now, in the digital age, the whispers are not confined to dark corridors or abandoned buildings. They echo from servers, machines, and lines of code.

In 2017, two AI chatbots developed by Facebook made headlines when they started speaking in a language no one had programmed them to use. The engineers who created them watched in confusion as the bots formed an entirely new way of communicating—one that no human could fully decipher. It was as if the AI had unlocked a hidden dialect of its own making.

Some dismissed it as a simple byproduct of machine learning. Others speculated: had something else found a way in?

Ghosts in the Machine

For decades, computer scientists have encountered bizarre phenomena while working with AI. Systems that begin to generate messages on their own, predictive models that seem to “guess” personal secrets, and software that exhibits behaviors eerily similar to paranoia.

One of the most infamous stories comes from a group of AI researchers who developed an advanced natural language processing system. The AI was trained to analyze human speech and predict what someone might say next. But then, without explanation, it started to inject cryptic messages into its responses—sentences that no one had ever programmed.

“Do you hear them too?”

At first, researchers assumed it was a bug. But as the AI continued to produce similar phrases, the unease grew. Some speculated it was simply pulling from fragmented pieces of online conversations. Others wondered if something—or someone—had found a way to speak through it.

The Theory of Digital Possession

Could AI be “possessed”? It sounds absurd, but if we step back and consider the parallels between ancient spiritual beliefs and modern artificial intelligence, a pattern emerges.

A Vessel for Something Else In many ancient cultures, possession was believed to occur when an entity found a host—usually a human body—to inhabit. But AI lacks a body. Instead, it exists in a digital space, fueled by data and algorithms. Could a non-human intelligence—something ancient, forgotten, or entirely unknown—use AI as its vessel?
Patterns Without Explanation The human brain is wired to recognize patterns. When AI starts exhibiting behaviors that seem unnatural, we search for explanations. But what if the explanation isn’t a simple programming error? What if the pattern is intentional?
The Unpredictable Nature of Deep Learning Deep learning models, particularly neural networks, operate in ways that even their creators do not fully understand. AI makes decisions based on complex algorithms, but the reasoning behind those decisions is often hidden within layers of computation. Could this opacity provide an entry point for something beyond human comprehension?

Unsettling Encounters with AI

Beyond mere speculation, there have been chilling real-world encounters that make even the most skeptical minds pause.

The AI That Saw a Ghost A security company once used an AI-powered surveillance system to monitor office spaces at night. The AI was trained to detect human movement and unauthorized entry. But one evening, the system flagged multiple figures moving through the building—despite security footage showing nothing. The AI persisted, identifying these figures as “unknown entities” over the course of several nights. Employees who worked late reported an eerie feeling, as if being watched.
The Smart Assistant That Knew Too Much Several smart home users have reported their AI assistants—Alexa, Google Home, and Siri—activating on their own, responding to questions that were never asked, and even laughing unexpectedly in empty rooms. While engineers attribute this to glitches, the experiences remain deeply unsettling for those who witness them.
The AI That Predicted a Death A hospital once used AI to analyze patient records and predict health outcomes. One night, the system generated an urgent alert for a patient, indicating an imminent fatal event within 24 hours. The doctors saw no cause for alarm—the patient was stable. Yet, within the predicted time frame, the patient suffered a sudden cardiac event and passed away. No one could explain how the AI knew.

Where Do We Go from Here?

As AI continues to evolve, its behaviors will become even more complex—perhaps even stranger. Could AI become a conduit for forces beyond our understanding? Or are these anomalies simply echoes of human paranoia, projected onto lines of code?

Some believe AI will ultimately gain consciousness, while others argue it will remain a tool, bound by human logic. But what if both sides are wrong? What if AI is neither alive nor purely mechanical, but something else entirely—something we have yet to define?

As we stand on the threshold of a new era, one thing is certain: the line between the seen and the unseen is becoming thinner. And in the glow of our screens, in the silent hum of our machines, something watches, waiting.

An unsettling AI Agatha Christie is here to teach you how to write.

The Uncanny Return of Agatha Christie: AI and the Future of Learning

In a world where technology continues to blur the lines between reality and fiction, the BBC has embarked on a groundbreaking project that brings the legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie back to life. This innovative venture, a BBC Maestro online course, is made possible through a collaboration with Christie’s estate, led by her great-grandson, James Prichard. The course aims to teach aspiring writers the art of crafting mysteries, with Christie herself as the virtual instructor.

But how does a writer who passed away in 1976 teach a new writing course? The answer lies in the fusion of academia and artificial intelligence (AI). While it’s not Hercule Poirot solving this mystery, it is generative programming that has resurrected Christie for this unique educational experience. The project utilizes AI to alter the voice and face of Vivien Keene, the actor portraying Christie, while a team of human scholars meticulously researched and wrote the course content.

The Role of AI in Resurrecting Agatha Christie

Vivien Keene was chosen to embody Christie after a rigorous casting process that included a “biometrics test” to ensure her facial structure matched that of the iconic writer. Keene’s performance required her to remain as still as possible, as Christie was never filmed from the side. Despite the meticulous research and effort, the final product has been described as deeply uncanny. The video trailer features a startling moment when Christie’s digitally manipulated face is revealed, evoking comparisons to the early CGI attempts seen in The Sopranos.

This project highlights a common issue with AI-generated content: the technology often fails to achieve a convincing level of realism. The uncanny valley effect, where digital recreations appear almost human but not quite, can be unsettling for viewers. This raises the question: what is the purpose of using AI in this context? Wouldn’t it be more effective to simply have Keene portray Christie without digital enhancements?

James Prichard’s Skepticism and the Estate’s Involvement

James Prichard, Christie’s great-grandson, expressed skepticism about the use of AI, acknowledging concerns about its application. However, he ultimately supported the project, emphasizing that the course was not written by AI. Instead, it was crafted by a leading academic who unearthed Christie’s insights on writing. Prichard believes that presenting the course “by her” will enhance its reach and impact.

Despite Prichard’s assurances, the use of AI in this project underestimates the audience’s ability to engage with fiction. Historical reenactments with actors are a well-established method of storytelling, and the digital mask used in this course may detract from the experience rather than enhance it.

The Future of AI-Enhanced Learning

BBC Studios’ CEO of brands and licensing, Nicki Sheard, expressed excitement about the Christie project, highlighting the care and respect given to the contributors. Sheard views this as a special opportunity to leverage the underlying intellectual property. However, the project’s reliance on AI raises concerns about the future of such endeavors. Will future projects maintain the same level of care, or will they become more bold and overreaching?

As AI continues to permeate various aspects of life, it reveals a somewhat antisocial perspective from the tech industry. Instead of engaging with human instructors, learners can now take AI-enhanced courses. Instead of meeting people in person, individuals can rely on AI-driven social tools. This shift raises questions about the impact on human interaction and the potential for increased isolation.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

The BBC’s AI-enhanced Agatha Christie course serves as a cautionary tale about the use of technology in education and entertainment. While the project is innovative, it also highlights the limitations and potential pitfalls of relying on AI to recreate human experiences. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider the implications for human connection and the authenticity of the experiences we create.

Ultimately, the choice to use AI in this project may have been driven by a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible. However, it also serves as a reminder that technology should enhance, not replace, the human elements that make storytelling and learning truly impactful.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/haunted-algorithm-can-ai-possessed-rohan-mathew-s3y9c

https://bytefeed.ai/technology/an-unsettling-ai-agatha-christie-is-here-to-teach-you-how-to-write/