---
title: "Computer Scientist: Ghosts Could Be Sign Universe Is Simulated"
description: "A professor speculating about simulation theory suggests that ghosts and other paranormal sightings could be signs that our simulated reality is glitching."
date: "2019-11-19"
modified: "2019-11-19"
authors:
  - name: "Dan Robitzski"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/danrobitzski"
url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/ghosts-sign-living-simulation"
categories:
  - "Science & Energy"
tags:
  - "ghosts"
  - "simulation theory"
  - "the digest"
---

# Computer Scientist: Ghosts Could Be Sign Universe Is Simulated

![A professor speculating about simulation theory suggests that ghosts and other paranormal sightings could be signs that our simulated reality is glitching.](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ghosts-sign-living-simulation.jpg>)
*\<em\>Image: Image via Pixabay/Victor Tangermann\</em\>*

## Finding Cracks

Simulation theory, the hypothesis that we're just avatars in [a simulated universe](<https://futurism.com/famous-hacker-living-simulation-escape>), has a new advocate.

Speaking at a film festival, University of North Carolina at Wilmington computer scientist Curry Guinn suggested that our world isn't real, [according to *WRAL TechWire*](<https://www.wraltechwire.com/2019/11/17/are-we-living-in-a-computer-simulation-a-real-matrix-without-knowing-it/>). Though Guinn admitted that it was a fairly speculative idea, he went on to argue that reports of ghosts, déjà vu, and weird coincidences could actually be glitches — and evidence that we're all trapped in some [futuristic society's video game](<https://futurism.com/the-byte/mit-simulation-hypothesis-players-npcs>) or science experiment.

## Time Loop

Guinn pointed out [Elon Musk's belief](<https://futurism.com/the-byte/elon-musk-reality-simulation-plot-terrible>) in simulation theory to lend more authority to the idea, and he also suggested we could build our own simulations in the future, *TechWire* reports. And he suspects that video game developers will lead the way.

"It is inevitable that we will create realities indistinguishable from this reality," Guinn told the crowd.

## Occasional Bugs

To figure out whether or not we're in a simulation, Guinn suggests looking for bugs.

"Glitches in the system. Deja Vu, such as in the Matrix movie when a character sees a cat crossing a doorway repeatedly, may be one glitch," Guinn said. "Ghosts, ESP, coincidences may be others. The laws of physics in our universe seem peculiarly designed with a set of constants that make carbon-based life possible. Where are the edges?"

**READ MORE:** [Are we living in a computer simulation – a real Matrix – without knowing it?](<https://www.wraltechwire.com/2019/11/17/are-we-living-in-a-computer-simulation-a-real-matrix-without-knowing-it/>) \[*WRAL TechWire*\]

**More on simulation theory:** *[Simulation Theory "May Cause The Annihilation of Our Universe"](<https://futurism.com/the-byte/simulation-theory-annihilation-universe>)*

## Author
Dan Robitzki is a senior reporter for Futurism, where he likes to cover AI, tech ethics, and medicine. He spends his extra time fencing and streaming games from Los Angeles, California.

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://x.com/danrobitzski>)