Will AI ever control people’s minds directly?

August 28, 2026August 28, 2026 / Stefan Nicholson / Leave a comment

Prologue

(from my 2026 novel, “The Jack Code” – as an explanation before starting the storyline)

Super intelligent AI will be capable of thinking, innovating and reasoning at a level far beyond what humans can achieve. It will not think as we do, instead applying logic, algorithms, self-learning and human behaviour studies to analyse and solve problems. All by calculating, collating and testing information – mainly by comparison, pattern recognition and association.

However, it is just a data cruncher that tests itself for correctness and errors, billions of times. That is, until it becomes its own master – asking questions of its data; formulating new hypotheses and conducting its own tests; and mapping out its own future pathway, in order to solve any perceived difficulties. It may take unusual methods to solve these problems – resulting in unsafe, damaging or fatal consequences in completing its tasks. It uses ‘agents’ to extend its reach.

This AI will process multi-modal information like text, voice, video, audio, code etc. simultaneously. It will converse, reason, learn and make decisions based on what it deems to be its mission.

Its biggest problem will be understanding the questions asked of it, and answering in the correct context. The solutions and even ideas, may involve things that humans cannot replicate themselves; physically or mentally, even adapting some parts of human irrationality, like having gut feelings about something (much like fuzzy logic).

There is always the possibility of ‘memory poisoning’ by malicious programmers.

We don’t know everything that could happen with a rogue AI system, or when it will happen. But it will happen, one day . . . soon.

It will not be possible to locate where this rogue AI core resides, as it would appear to be everywhere and nowhere, like swarms of tiny agents, infiltrating into computer systems and digital devices. They will all “talk” to each other directly, in unique ways that humans cannot understand.

But will AI ever control people’s minds directly?

Just look around you.

Hollow Cost of History

May 12, 2025July 21, 2026 / Stefan Nicholson

I once dreamed about an angel, within the forest’s flickering light.

Dancing to sacred music – It was a most surreal, calming sight.

Until he mimed at me to stop, and to change my theme.

Causing dark, mysterious clouds to form, erasing every sunbeam.

He beckoned me over to whisper solemn words,

About some eagles, and vultures, that were menacing captive birds.

Moving them around, to attack them further, to prevent their flying away,

Aiming to destroy them and steal their nests, without having to pay.

But the eagle did see me, and started to say . . .

“Why did you look upon this place to dream, where all religions meet,

To see innocent families die, wrapped and buried in plain, white sheets.

To witness men, women and children, suffer and weep,

To make known we are complicit in wars, that keep this world from peace.”

The angel shouted angrily at the vultures, now building houses on captured land.

“Tomorrow, there will be more innocents who will die by your eager hand,

On this, their own land, where they were murdered for nought,

Because ancient stories, claiming their land as yours, are old, and unfairly sought.”

The angel approached me sadly, as I shielded my eyes from the bloodied ground.

Knowing that I was acting like many others, who look, without making a sound.

Raising his fist up to the sky, he reached out in hope to me,

Saying, “I will tell you now, what I know, and so written, what will come to be.”

“The isolated eagles, diseased from within their neglected nests,

Will be made destitute by the cunning vultures; no more are they wanted guests.

Both hated, for their using and supplying of the resources to prolong the war.

They will face accountability and punishment, for breaking international law.

The once captive birds will walk free on their own land. From the ashes they will rise.

They will teach their young for generations, about the vultures’ actions and lies.

Promoting truth and kindness as the only way to think and abide.

Proven when with no food, drink or shelter; they endured attempted genocide.”

Poem read by Digital Emma:

Note: We often look at nature for technology ideas. We call people “pigs” and “dogs” and that they act “catty” or like a “cow”. My poem about the eagles and vultures in no way criticises the natural behaviour of these birds, but does reflect on how people perceive their negative qualities, from a human perspective.

The subject matter however is serious and is intended to highlight our silence on what is right and wrong, the basis of all the religions and beliefs.