Well, you did mention that it may be a technological advancement that's responsible; technology is hardly flawless, and it can be controlled by whomever has enough basic skill to control it. I imagine this is more complex than most, but technically speaking, couldn't someone simply... [...what the hell is the word he wants. Gesticulating, gesticulating, clearly if we draw awkward circles in the air a word will happen - ] ...I don't know, take over the system somehow?