The stories are often cautionary tales created during periods of rapid technological advancement that express concerns about privacy, freedom, individuality, and wealth disparity.
[1] The overthrow or destruction of the human race by mechanical automatons is likely the oldest form of techno-horror, with examples such as the Greek Myth Talos dating back to 400 BC.
[citation needed] Artificial forms of intelligence became a topic of debate in the mid 19th century following theories of evolution.
In The United States, the Cold War induced a fear of nuclear power and radiation, particularly the aftermath of bombing and the danger of weapons testing to civilians.
Other stories, originating mostly in Japanese horror, involve classical terrors such as ghosts, spirits or curses propagating, traveling, or communicating via hi-tech media such as computer networks, cell phones, and cameras.