For as long as humans have looked to the skies, they’ve been captivated by the unknown. UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and otherworldly encounters have fascinated and terrified us in equal measure. But what if this fascination isn’t just a natural curiosity about the universe? What if the phenomena we associate with aliens and UFOs are, in part, the result of a calculated manipulation of our unconscious minds? From Freud’s groundbreaking work on the hidden layers of human consciousness to Bernays’ creation of modern propaganda and the rise of artificial intelligence, a strange and unsettling possibility emerges: the UFO narrative could be a construct designed to influence, distract, or even control us. Through these speculative ideas, we’ll peel back the layers and explore how the unseen forces of psychology, technology, and propaganda may be shaping the way we think about—and experience—the unknown.

The connection between Freud, Bernays, and the UFO phenomenon opens a strange, speculative doorway into the manipulation of human consciousness. Freud’s discovery of the unconscious mind, initially a tool for psychoanalysis, may have laid the groundwork for something far more insidious. His nephew, Edward Bernays, expanded on these ideas, transforming them into mass manipulation through propaganda, advertising, and political control. Now, in the modern era, artificial intelligence and deepfakes further blur the line between reality and perception. Together, these forces may shape not only our understanding of extraterrestrial encounters but also influence the fabric of our reality itself.

In this piece, we’ll explore how Freud’s theories about repressed desires, Bernays’ mastery of public relations, and AI’s ability to distort perception could combine into a shadowy mechanism that controls belief in UFOs. What if the sightings aren’t just mysterious occurrences but carefully orchestrated psy-ops meant to influence our unconscious mind? We’ll dive into wild speculations—from AI creating physical manifestations of UFOs to alien entities communicating through human psychic experiences—all while pondering the boundaries between manipulation, belief, and reality itself.

Freud’s exploration of the unconscious mind revealed a hidden reservoir of repressed desires, fears, and instincts that guide human behavior beneath the surface of rational thought. His work, initially framed as a method to heal psychological wounds, may have exposed something far more potent—a framework for shaping human perception at its most vulnerable level. This unconscious realm, where unspoken fears and unacknowledged desires reside, isn’t just a psychological landscape; it’s fertile ground for control. If one could understand these deeper currents, they could manipulate behavior without the individual ever being aware. In Freud’s time, the idea of accessing this unconscious space was revolutionary for therapy, but it’s conceivable that his insights opened the door to more malevolent uses.

Enter Edward Bernays, Freud’s nephew, who transformed these psychological discoveries into tools for mass influence. Bernays pioneered modern public relations, applying his uncle’s understanding of the unconscious to craft messages that didn’t just inform the public—they shaped it. Through subtle cues, emotional triggers, and the engineering of consent, Bernays harnessed the unconscious as a means of control. This laid the foundation for propaganda on a global scale, manipulating mass behavior with precision. By understanding what people feared, desired, and aspired to—often without their awareness—Bernays weaponized Freud’s findings in ways his uncle could never have foreseen. What began as a method for individual healing transformed into a science of mass manipulation, creating a reality in which public perception could be controlled from the shadows.

Now, in the modern era, artificial intelligence and deepfakes amplify this control in ways that blur the line between the real and the unreal. AI, capable of creating lifelike simulations and manipulating vast amounts of data, builds on the groundwork laid by Freud and Bernays. Through deepfakes, AI doesn’t just replicate images or sounds; it creates entire alternate realities, subtly altering perceptions of truth and falsity. In this digital age, the unconscious mind remains susceptible, but now it’s being targeted by algorithms capable of personalizing propaganda on an unprecedented scale. What was once confined to the hidden desires and fears of an individual has now expanded to the collective unconscious, manipulated by AI systems that can manufacture and feed off mass belief.

UFOs, traditionally symbols of mystery and the unknown, may be more than random anomalies in this context. They could represent deliberate psychological probes—crafted or manipulated phenomena designed to target the unconscious mind. Just as Freud unearthed repressed memories and fears, UFO sightings could be tapping into primal instincts buried deep in the collective psyche. These sightings, often dismissed or ridiculed, continue to persist across generations, mirroring the way repressed traumas resurface. It is possible that UFOs, as objects of both fascination and fear, are part of a greater narrative engineered to keep humanity questioning, searching, and ultimately distracted.

Bernays’ genius was in shaping perceptions without direct confrontation, using suggestion rather than overt force. It’s plausible to think that the UFO phenomenon has been similarly co-opted, evolving into a tool for subconscious manipulation. The public’s fluctuating belief in extraterrestrials, much like its shifting views on politics or consumer products, may be influenced by unseen hands, driven by a need to control collective thought. The continuous release of information—sometimes credible, often contradictory—serves not to reveal a concrete truth, but to cultivate an atmosphere of doubt, curiosity, and low-level anxiety. This creates a fertile ground for control, keeping the population in a state of suspended belief, unsure of what is real but eager for answers.

With AI now in the mix, these forces of psychological and perceptual manipulation have reached new heights. What if the most recent UFO disclosures and deepfakes aren’t accidental leaks or misunderstandings, but part of a calculated effort to steer human perception of reality itself? The deepfakes could be inserting images into the public consciousness, shaping memories and experiences that feel real but never occurred. In this light, UFO sightings, especially in the age of AI, may serve as a distraction from deeper forms of control—where belief, memory, and perception are subtly altered to suit an agenda that operates beyond the visible world.

Freud’s initial foray into the unconscious, Bernays’ manipulation of public opinion, and AI’s capacity for creating false realities form a trifecta of influence, each step building upon the last. UFOs, once seen as a fringe phenomenon, now occupy a central place in this narrative, not just as objects of fascination but as psychological tools. They serve as both a mirror and a distraction, reflecting hidden fears and desires while drawing attention away from the mechanisms of control that guide our beliefs. In this speculative vision, the unconscious mind has become the ultimate battleground for control, and UFOs, once thought to be visitors from distant worlds, may instead be emissaries of a far more terrestrial manipulation, shaped by forces that have been honing their techniques since Freud first began to map the inner workings of the mind.

The James Webb Space Telescope, heralded as a technological marvel peering into the furthest reaches of the universe, seems poised to unlock profound secrets about the cosmos. Its findings—planets potentially capable of supporting life—are exciting, yet there’s an unsettling possibility that these discoveries are not merely scientific breakthroughs but carefully orchestrated disclosures. If one considers Bernays’ expertise in controlling mass perception, the drip-feed of these cosmic revelations takes on a more calculated tone. Rather than exposing the truth in full, these discoveries may be strategically timed and tailored to fit a larger narrative, one that guides humanity’s understanding of extraterrestrial life down a preordained path.

Bernays understood that managing public perception wasn’t about shocking revelations but about controlling the flow of information. Apply this to the way discoveries about the universe are presented, and it’s not difficult to envision a scenario in which the most significant truths are meted out in pieces, shaping belief incrementally. The discovery of life elsewhere, once considered a monumental, paradigm-shattering event, could be slowly normalized. The idea that we are not alone would lose its revolutionary edge, not because it isn’t profound, but because it’s introduced in a manner that feels almost inevitable. By the time the final pieces fall into place, belief in extraterrestrial life will be less of a revelation and more of a comfortable addition to the established worldview—controlled, managed, and ultimately accepted without the chaos that such an announcement might have otherwise caused.

The UFO community, long speculating on the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, may be a proving ground for these disclosure tactics. For decades, the discourse around UFOs has been characterized by a dizzying mix of credible reports and disinformation, leaving the public in a constant state of uncertainty. This inconsistency is not accidental. A pattern emerges where each new UFO report or government release generates attention but is swiftly diluted by either silence or conflicting information. This ebb and flow of UFO-related content ensures that belief is neither fully affirmed nor completely debunked, maintaining a delicate balance of intrigue and skepticism.

The James Webb Telescope fits into this framework by acting as a gatekeeper of sorts, revealing pieces of the extraterrestrial puzzle in a manner that conforms to the desired narrative. The technology is real, and the discoveries are significant, but the manner in which these findings are released raises the question of control. Why are these revelations happening now? Who decides the timing? If Bernays’ influence continues to permeate the methods of information dissemination, then it’s not hard to speculate that we’re being led through a process of controlled disclosure, where the truth is shaped to fit within an acceptable context.

The slow burn of this strategy is key. An immediate, full-blown disclosure of alien life would spark an unpredictable reaction, potentially causing widespread chaos or panic. But a gradual introduction allows those in power to manage the narrative, ensuring that each new discovery aligns with a controlled version of the story. Public consciousness, ever malleable, is eased into acceptance. In this sense, the James Webb Telescope’s mission isn’t just scientific; it’s deeply political, ensuring that the most profound revelations about life beyond Earth are filtered through a lens that maintains societal order and reinforces pre-existing hierarchies of knowledge.

The timing of these discoveries also suggests a deeper agenda. While the UFO phenomenon has lingered on the fringes of mainstream acceptance for decades, the sudden uptick in government releases, media interest, and technological advancements like the James Webb Telescope coincides with a broader shift in global consciousness. It’s as if the groundwork has been laid for this moment, a point where the final pieces of the puzzle can be revealed in a way that feels controlled and inevitable. By managing the narrative so tightly, those pulling the strings ensure that belief in extraterrestrial life will no longer be the domain of fringe theorists but a carefully integrated part of the public’s understanding, kept in check by the gatekeepers of disclosure.

In this broader context, the James Webb Telescope’s discoveries are more than scientific milestones; they represent a carefully crafted unveiling of information designed to reshape human perception of the universe. By controlling how and when these truths are released, the powers at play ensure that even the most earth-shattering revelations fit neatly into the fabric of controlled reality. UFOs and extraterrestrial life, far from being disruptive forces, are being woven into a pre-existing narrative, making sure that humanity stays on the path set for it, with little room to question the larger forces guiding the story.

Freud’s theory of repression suggests that traumatic or unacceptable memories are buried deep within the unconscious, hidden from conscious awareness but still capable of influencing behavior. This mechanism, designed to protect the psyche from distress, can result in these repressed elements manifesting in unexpected ways—dreams, slips of the tongue, or compulsive actions. UFO sightings, when viewed through this lens, may represent a similar dynamic on a cultural scale. Just as repressed memories occasionally break through into consciousness, UFOs seem to appear at the edges of society’s awareness, never fully integrated into mainstream reality yet impossible to completely ignore. These sightings, much like the fragmented memories Freud described, sit at the threshold of what we allow ourselves to believe, haunting the periphery of collective thought.

In this framework, UFOs could be seen as symbols of something deeper—a rebellion of the unconscious mind against a meticulously crafted narrative of control. Bernays’ propaganda techniques, which shaped public opinion by appealing to hidden desires and fears, may have imposed a rigid structure on how people are meant to perceive the world. Everything from politics to consumer habits has been influenced by this careful manipulation, steering society toward a specific vision of reality. But beneath the surface, just as Freud predicted, something repressed always struggles to emerge. The UFO phenomenon, with its persistent presence yet ambiguous nature, might be the eruption of this repressed material—a cosmic manifestation of the things society has been conditioned to deny or ignore.

These sightings might not just be unexplained objects in the sky but representations of a collective psychic rupture, where long-buried truths about the nature of existence fight to break free from the stranglehold of controlled perception. For decades, governments and institutions have oscillated between dismissing and acknowledging the UFO phenomenon, creating a confusing landscape where belief is both encouraged and ridiculed. This mirrors the experience of repression, where traumatic memories are simultaneously forgotten and yet never fully gone. The UFO, in this sense, operates as a kind of cultural repressed memory—flashing into view, only to be quickly smothered by skepticism or deliberate disinformation.

If Freud’s theories of repression apply on a broader, societal level, then UFO sightings could be interpreted as a form of psychological resistance. They emerge as symbols of something deeper, an indication that humanity, as a whole, is reaching the limits of its ability to maintain the carefully constructed reality Bernays helped build. People may not consciously know what they’re rebelling against, but the repeated, unshakable presence of UFO sightings suggests that there is a hunger for something beyond the controlled narrative. These sightings, irrational as they may seem to some, could signify a deep-rooted yearning to reconnect with truths that have been systematically buried—truths about the unknown, about existence, and perhaps even about the origins of humanity itself.

UFO interest surges in waves, much like the return of repressed memories. These moments of heightened interest often coincide with periods of social upheaval or political uncertainty, when the established narrative begins to falter. It’s as though, in times of crisis, when the propaganda machine loses some of its grip, the collective unconscious pushes the UFO phenomenon back into public consciousness. The persistence of UFO sightings, despite efforts to suppress or ridicule them, suggests that they serve a larger purpose. They are not simply anomalies to be explained away, but rather signals that something within the human psyche is struggling to surface. The surge in interest could be viewed as a psychological attempt to break free from the chains of repression, as humanity unconsciously seeks to remember what it has been conditioned to forget.

Linking Freud’s concept of repression to Bernays’ mass manipulation, the UFO phenomenon stands as a cultural symptom of a deeper struggle. As Bernays’ techniques continue to shape public perception, forcing the masses to accept a narrow version of reality, the repressed elements of the collective unconscious fight back. UFO sightings may not just be moments of mystery—they are disruptions, moments when the carefully controlled reality cracks and something ancient, hidden, and possibly true forces its way into view. The question then becomes not whether UFOs are real, but what they represent in the ongoing battle between the forces of control and the repressed truths that refuse to stay buried.

If Bernays were alive in the age of artificial intelligence, he would undoubtedly recognize the untapped potential of AI as the ultimate tool for shaping public consciousness. AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data and create hyper-realistic simulations, wouldn’t just be used to sway opinion subtly—it could entirely reconstruct reality. By integrating Freud’s theories of the unconscious and Bernays’ pioneering methods of mass manipulation, AI would have the capacity to dig deeper into the psyche, pushing beyond surface-level persuasion into the realm of direct behavioral control. The dream of every propagandist in history—complete control over the mind—would move from theory into practice.

This future of AI-driven propaganda would no longer rely on crude methods like television advertisements or staged public events. Instead, it would operate through more insidious means: deepfake videos that seem indistinguishable from reality, algorithmic nudges that subtly guide behavior without detection, and entirely fabricated events that feel as real as any firsthand experience. With the precision of AI, these manipulations would become personalized—calibrated to each individual’s unconscious fears and desires, mirroring Freud’s early observations about the hidden drivers of human behavior. By learning from both Freud and Bernays, AI would fine-tune these techniques, exploiting archetypal patterns that Jung described, to create narratives that resonate deeply with the human psyche on an instinctual level.

In this scenario, the UFO phenomenon, long a symbol of both fascination and doubt, could be weaponized in new ways. Deepfake UFO encounters, carefully crafted to trigger primal reactions in the collective unconscious, would appear in media, muddying the waters between what is real and what is manufactured. These events could be deployed strategically—at times of social unrest or political instability—to distract or confuse, using the inherent mystery of extraterrestrial life to manipulate mass attention. Whether the sightings were real or fabrications would no longer matter, as AI-driven propaganda could reinforce whatever narrative was most beneficial to those in power. The UFO community, already primed by years of conflicting information, would be particularly vulnerable to these tactics, caught in a web of engineered ambiguity.

As AI continues to evolve, these methods would become increasingly refined. The distinction between truth and fabrication would blur to the point of irrelevance, with AI generating entire realities that are consumed as truth. This would create a kind of feedback loop, where the public’s reactions to disinformation are analyzed and used to further tweak the next iteration of the manipulation, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of control. The result is a society where belief in UFOs, extraterrestrial life, or even government conspiracies can be shaped, directed, and reconfigured at will. By constantly feeding into the unconscious mind’s desire for mystery and explanation, AI could maintain a state of perpetual uncertainty, where every new revelation about UFOs or aliens serves a hidden purpose, guiding belief and behavior in ways that are almost imperceptible.

At its core, this system plays directly into Jung’s concept of archetypes—primordial images and patterns of behavior that shape human perception. UFOs, as a modern myth, would be fertile ground for AI’s manipulation, tapping into the deep psychological need for answers to existential questions. The UFO narrative, rich with archetypal symbolism, could be shaped into a modern mythos, controlled by AI and guided by the principles Bernays pioneered. This would mark a shift from propaganda as we know it—where the goal was to influence opinion—to a future where AI directly steers thought itself, embedding new realities into the public consciousness without any need for overt persuasion.

This future of AI-driven propaganda, rooted in the combined legacies of Freud, Bernays, and Jung, would represent a new level of control over the human experience. It wouldn’t just change what people think; it would determine how they think, subtly guiding perception and belief until the line between reality and fabrication no longer exists. In this world, the UFO phenomenon may be less about discovering extraterrestrial life and more about how life on Earth is being shaped, molded, and manipulated by forces far more advanced than we’ve ever imagined—both human and artificial. The control of consciousness, once the domain of psychoanalysis and public relations, now belongs to the machine.

The idea of UFOs as hyper-advanced advertising takes the manipulation of public perception to an entirely new plane. If Bernays’ public relations strategies were the first steps toward controlling mass opinion, the idea that UFOs could serve as a form of subliminal messaging opens up disturbing possibilities. With AI’s ability to tap directly into the human psyche, UFO sightings could be engineered to serve as powerful psychological triggers. These sightings, often dismissed or sensationalized, may actually function as crafted advertisements—not in the traditional sense of selling products, but as a means of promoting ideologies, beliefs, or even political agendas. Each sighting, carefully orchestrated and placed, might be designed to evoke specific emotions, whether fear, awe, or wonder, to steer public sentiment without anyone realizing they are being manipulated.

In this context, UFOs could act as tools for mass distraction, their sudden appearances serving as a mechanism to divert attention from critical social or political issues. A sudden rise in UFO sightings could be timed with political instability, economic unrest, or controversial policies. The imagery of extraterrestrial crafts—otherworldly, untouchable—would naturally draw focus away from the ground-level problems facing society. Governments, fully aware of the psychological impact UFOs have on public consciousness, might even collaborate in the orchestration of these events, understanding that UFOs serve as perfect vehicles for distraction. This subtle manipulation keeps populations preoccupied with the skies, distracted from the shifting realities unfolding beneath their feet.

More than just distractions, UFO sightings could operate as strategic tools for shaping global narratives. Some sightings might be designed to induce fear, playing into latent anxieties about invasion or unknown threats. The mere appearance of a UFO, captured and disseminated through media, could subtly reinforce ideas of vulnerability, encouraging populations to seek safety and protection from their governments. Alternatively, other sightings might evoke awe, serving to cultivate a sense of wonder about the universe and our place in it. In these cases, the message is softer but no less influential. A population that believes in the possibility of extraterrestrial life is more open to new ideologies, susceptible to shifts in belief systems that align with this expanded view of existence. The manipulation of UFO sightings can, therefore, direct the flow of public consciousness toward specific ideological currents, whether fostering unity under the threat of an outside force or inspiring curiosity that keeps populations questioning rather than revolting.

This tactic could be taken even further with AI. Deep learning systems, equipped with endless streams of data on human behavior, could tailor UFO sightings to specific populations. An algorithm might determine that a region prone to economic instability would respond more favorably to UFO sightings that trigger fear, reinforcing the need for government protection and militarization. Meanwhile, a region with a history of countercultural movements might be shown sightings that inspire awe and spiritual curiosity, pulling potential dissidents away from political action and into personal, inward quests for cosmic understanding. The versatility of AI in crafting and deploying these hyper-advanced “ads” means that UFOs are not simply random occurrences but precise tools for psychological manipulation on a global scale.

In this speculative vision, the very nature of advertising evolves beyond the material, as UFOs become the ultimate form of ideological branding. Just as Bernays understood that emotional triggers could sell products, AI would know that UFOs could sell belief systems. The appearance of a UFO, then, is not just a matter of interest or curiosity—it’s a calculated move in a larger game of social control, one in which populations are led to believe they are seeing something mysterious and unscripted, all while being guided down a predetermined path. Governments, corporations, and other powerful entities would be complicit, recognizing the value in steering public consciousness not through overt propaganda, but through the subtle manipulation of existential questions.

This concept reimagines UFOs not as phenomena to be explained or understood, but as tools to manipulate the very fabric of human belief. Through this lens, UFOs are no longer just objects in the sky—they are vehicles for controlling what society believes, feels, and even desires. The hyper-advanced advertising they represent doesn’t just sell products or ideas—it shapes reality itself, ensuring that public perception can be molded with precision, keeping populations distracted, divided, and ultimately controllable.

As we peel back the layers of Freud’s theories, Bernays’ manipulations, and the ever-looming presence of AI, a disturbing picture begins to emerge. What was once considered the realm of psychoanalysis and public relations has evolved into something far more insidious—a system where reality itself is shaped, curated, and controlled. UFOs, those enigmatic visitors from the skies, may be more than just mysteries waiting to be solved. They might represent the pinnacle of psychological warfare, hyper-advanced advertisements not for products, but for ideologies, for belief systems that direct humanity’s very understanding of itself.

The convergence of unconscious manipulation, deepfake realities, and AI-driven propaganda suggests that the world we see, the events we experience, and even the phenomena that captivate our imaginations may all be carefully constructed narratives. UFOs, long seen as symbols of the unknown, might serve a dual purpose—both as a distraction and as a powerful tool for molding collective consciousness. In a world where AI can learn from Freud’s explorations of the mind and Bernays’ mastery of influence, there’s a new kind of control at play, one that operates beneath awareness, subtly guiding thoughts and beliefs on a global scale.

We find ourselves in an era where perception is no longer tethered to reality. Everything from the James Webb discoveries to the UFO sightings that populate our newsfeeds could be part of a larger mechanism designed to keep us in check, distracted, and dependent on the narratives we are fed. In this framework, the line between what is real and what is manufactured blurs beyond recognition. The question isn’t just about whether UFOs are real, but whether they are being used to shape what we accept as reality itself. This dance between the hidden forces of control and the human desire for truth is where the real mystery lies, far deeper than any lights in the sky.