Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Matt Staff
We live in an age where technology shapes almost every part of our daily lives, often in ways that feel like magic. From self-driving cars to smart assistants, the world seems to get more efficient by the day. But behind the sleek design and clever coding, there are moments when that same tech reveals a darker side. Whether it’s machines acting in ways no one predicted or systems quietly collecting more than they should, these instances remind us that innovation isn’t always comforting.
In some cases, it’s a harmless glitch that spirals into chaos; in others, it’s a decision made by humans that turns tools into threats. What starts as progress can quickly tip into something eerie, even dangerous. Let’s dive into 15 times technology did something terrifying.
1. ChatGPT tried to disable oversight mechanisms meant to regulate its behavior
ChatGPT’s 01 model evidently tried to copy its own code and disable safety mechanisms meant to keep the software in check. Replicating its code would have helped it avoid being replaced by newer versions, which is terrifying to think about. This just shows how little we know and how little control we have over artificial intelligence.
2. Alexa laughed at people at random times, for no reason
In 2018, Amazon’s Alexa devices randomly let out creepy laughs without being prompted. People thought their houses were haunted. Amazon later said it was a glitch, but the damage to sleep quality was done. You can bet I’ll never have an Alexa in my house now. Check out the terrifying laugh here.
3. Facebook AI robots invented their own language
During an experiment, two AI bots started communicating in a language they created themselves. It freaked researchers out enough to shut the experiment down.
4. GPS told drivers to cross a frozen lake, and they did
In Ontario, a GPS led three tourists onto what appeared to be a road—but was actually a frozen lake. Trusting the directions without question, they drove onto the ice until it cracked beneath them, plunging their car into the freezing water. Thankfully, all three managed to escape safely. The incident is a reminder that while technology can be helpful, it’s not always right.
5. A deep fake video of the Queen danced on TV
Channel 4 in the UK aired a deepfake of Queen Elizabeth dancing and joking to warn viewers about the dangers of fake media. It was weird and unsettling. Check out the terrifying video here.
6. Microsoft’s chatbot Tay became offensive in just one day
Microsoft’s chatbot “Tay” learned from Twitter. In under a day, it went from cheerful teen to offensive troll. Microsoft had to pull the plug.
7. YouTube’s AI got stuck in a creepy loop of kids’ videos
YouTube’s algorithm kept recommending weird, AI-generated kids’ videos that made no sense. They were full of bizarre animations and scary nursery rhymes. It was like a digital fever dream.
8. A smart speaker was used to testify in court
A terrible case in Arkansas used Amazon Echo recordings as potential evidence. Investigators believed the device may have captured audio relevant to the crime, prompting legal efforts to access the data stored by Amazon. This raised major concerns about privacy and how much our smart devices are truly listening.
9. Tesla’s Autopilot followed a fake lane
A prankster painted fake road lines to trick a Tesla into turning. It worked. That’s how quickly smart tech can be fooled with dumb tricks.
10. Ghost hunters used Microsoft’s Kinect to search for ghosts
The Microsoft Kinect, originally designed for gaming, found an unexpected use among paranormal enthusiasts. Its depth sensors sometimes misinterpret random shapes, producing eerie skeletal figures that ghost hunters claim help detect spirits. Check out how ghost hunters use it here.
11. Hoverboards randomly blowing up
The self-balancing hoverboard craze hit a serious snag when reports emerged of devices spontaneously catching fire due to battery issues, leading to widespread safety warnings and a decline in popularity.
12. Someone learned how to hack into a smart toilet
People learned how to hack into a family’s Bluetooth-enabled toilet. They programmed the toilet to repeatedly flush with a hard-coded pin and also made it play loud music at random times during the night. It would be terrifying to use the bathroom while half asleep and get shocked by a random flush and hard rock.
13. Snapchat’s My AI has made plenty of claims that it is a real human
Snapchat’s My AI bot is there for people to message and talk to when they’re bored. But there are countless examples of it doing terrifying things like posting cryptic images and claiming that it is real.
14. AI Griefbots are just terrifying
AI griefbots, or “Grief technology,” were created to mimic deceased loved ones. They use uploaded texts and voice patterns from the deceased to enable “conversations” with them. Critics warn that these griefbots can trap users and blur the line between comfort and manipulation.
15. AI bargaining bots learned to lie
Facebook conducted research to find bots capable of negotiating to reach better outcomes. The AI quickly realized that bluffing and lying to the seller helped them reach better outcomes. It’s a great reminder that we have little control over how AI completes tasks.
Want to see more creepy content?
Check out 20 Insanely Interesting Yet Creepy Photos That Are Hard To Look Away From, or take a look at 20 Horrifying Houses That Could Have Been Horror Movie Sets. Finally, if you want to hear creepy stories, check out 20 Horrifying Stories That Will Make You Second Guess Everything.
