Sundance 2026: The Masculinist and Eugenicist Origins of AI Are Writ Large in Documentary ‘Ghost in the Machine’

A fast-paced Sundance documentary, Ghost in the Machine traces how modern AI’s obsession with “intelligence” and innovation is rooted in the eugenicist, sexist and racial hierarchies that have long shaped Silicon Valley and its technologies.

By Aviva Dove-Viebahn February 12, 2026 1 min read

A fast-paced Sundance documentary, Ghost in the Machine traces how modern AI’s obsession with “intelligence” and innovation is rooted in the eugenicist, sexist and racial hierarchies that have long shaped Silicon Valley and its technologies.

(This is one in a series of film reviews from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, focused on films by women, trans or nonbinary directors that tell compelling stories about the lives of women and girls.)

The post Sundance 2026: The Masculinist and Eugenicist Origins of AI Are Writ Large in Documentary ‘Ghost in the Machine’ appeared first on Ms. Magazine.

Why this matters

The documentary 'Ghost in the Machine' highlights the troubling origins of AI, rooted in eugenicist, sexist, and racial hierarchies that have long shaped Silicon Valley. This exposure is particularly relevant given the growing presence of AI in various aspects of life, including healthcare and education, which are critical to reproductive rights and gender equity. As AI systems become more pervasive, it is essential to consider how these technologies may perpetuate existing biases and inequalities, potentially exacerbating disparities in access to reproductive healthcare and other essential services. The film's focus on the masculinist and eugenicist underpinnings of AI also underscores the need for diverse perspectives and inclusive design practices in the development of these technologies. By examining the historical context of AI's development, 'Ghost in the Machine' contributes to a broader conversation about the social implications of emerging technologies and the importance of prioritizing equity and justice in their design and implementation.

About this coverage

Every story on Her Choice is curated, fact-checked against the original publisher's reporting, and contextualized for our readers. We do not republish full articles — we link back to the source, summarize the key facts under fair use, and add the local or topical relevance that our audience needs. Our editorial standards and corrections policy are public: see herchoice.org/editorial-standards.

About Her Choice

Her Choice is published by Nexcom Media as part of the Nexcom Media Network. We launched in 2024 and have grown to cover reproductive rights, women's healthcare, abortion access, contraception. Our reporting is supported by display advertising, sponsorships, and reader donations — never by editorial pay-to-play. Read our ownership disclosures at herchoice.org/ownership.

Stay informed

Need Support?

Nexcom Media Network

More stories from our newsroom

Whose America Turns 250? Democracy Is Still a Feminist Fight

Tyra Banks Sues Netflix Over ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Documentary, Alleging Defamation

ACCESS—The New Currency of Cannes

New Law Requires Parental Consent for Sex Ed in Italy

This Week in Women’s Representation: LA’s Next Mayor Will Be a Woman; Ranked-Choice Voting in Maine May Help Elect Back-to-Back Woman Governors

Alissia Has Already Shaped The Sound Of Modern R&B. Now She’s Making Her Own.

Gabrielle Union’s Secrets to Radiant Summer Self-Care & Flawless Hosting

What women love about the ‘unapologetically masculine’ UFC

In new documentary, Sarah McBride navigates anti-trans hate on her historic path to Congress

Federal Judge Rules Stanford Can’t Disclose Minors’ Gender-Affirming Care Records to DOJ—For Now

Court considers nitrogen gas execution

Erectile Dysfunction Is Common Among Men and Trans Women. Here’s How to Navigate It.

In South Africa, Ipas builds broad commitment to tackle child marriage, teen pregnancy and school dropout

The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (June 6-12)

EU-Ukraine to Launch Accession Talks on Rights, Rule of Law

How three lives changed course after the Pulse shooting

A Popular Doctor Had Long Warned That Vitamin K Shots Are Risky for Newborns. Now He’s Changed His Tune.

Malawi: People with Albinism Face Discrimination, Barriers to Work

’90s Fine: Classic Black Couples Who Are Still Going Strong

America’s Medical Research System Has Been Failing Women for Generations

Get The Look: How To Channel Knicks Spirit Like Jordyn Woods

Juneteenth Outfit Ideas: The Stylish Way To Shutdown Every Celebration

The Brooklyn Circus & GAP Drop A Stylish Haiti-Inspired FIFA Collection

What the PCOS-PMOS Rebrand Tells Us About the State of Women’s Health Research

She broke barriers as a priest. She spends retirement organizing against ‘Christofascism.’

RHITES (Reproductive Health Initiative for Telehealth Equity & Solutions)

Man pleads guilty to murder of former Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband

Texas May Eliminate a Critical Tool for Preventing Maternal Deaths

Normalizing Entitlement: How Ordinary Moments Sustain Extraordinary Disrespect

Afghanistan: Taliban Use Excessive Force against Protesters

Protecting the justices

If ‘Roe’ Was Never Enough, Why Was It Everything? (Podcast)

Meet the women leading the people-powered push against data centers

The Senate races to watch in 2026

Questlove Speaks On Creating The Earth, Wind & Fire Doc, Manifestation, And Finding Inspiration Through Books

DR Congo: Engage Communities in Ebola Response

Keeping Score: Threats Against Abortion Clinics Doubled in 2025; Sounding the Alarm on ‘Horrible Conditions’ of Delaney Immigration Center; Pride Celebrations Around the U.S.

Here Are All Of The Details Behind Jay-Z’s Courtside Curls

How Innovative Uses of Telehealth Can Support Abortion Access

Why This New Mugler Fragrance Is Supermodel Anok Yai’s Summer Scent