The Ghost Diaries focuses on the unexplained – paranormal happenings that fall outside our standard categories for what constitutes reality. Usually this entails an analysis of a ghost sighting, a UFO, or a juicy conspiracy theory. But sometimes we come across something so bizarre, so utterly mind-boggling, that although it doesn’t meet our usual definition of paranormal—it is certainly beyond normal, and deserving of scrutiny. In this case, we’re talking about the possibility that our universe is a simulation.

The simulation theory has been around for a while, championed by philosopher Nick Bostrom who posited that since the probability of significantly advanced civilizations would entail the creation of simulated universes, it stands to reason this would mean there are more simulated realities in the universe than actual ones—thus, the idea that our own reality and universe could be a simulation being run by some advanced alien or posthuman society. Bostrom puts the chances of this at 20%.

Here’s a link to Bostrom’s theory and the mathematical equation he worked out.

Now it appears there may be actual evidence that our universe is a simulation. In a paper entitled “Constraints on the Universe as a Numerical Simulation,” a team of German physicists argues they have come up with a thought experiment that shows that the limitations ‘people’ living in a simulation would face are very similar, if not identical, to the limitations we face—namely, the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin energy-cut off.

Confused? Yeah, us too.

But maybe this is precisely the reason why we’re having such trouble understanding reality, why 96% of the universe is comprised of an unknown force, why the nature of existence seems to break down at the quantum level.

Maybe it’s because we’re living in a simulation from which we can never escape, which is far worse than the Matrix. Because at least Neo could fight back, and acquire cool new powers. And wear black leather without being made fun of.