Theory 3:
We are being used as "energy" in terms of our online interactions being used as a data source for the sentient world simulation (SWS, google it), started in 2006. As the SWS was built, historical data was fed into it to give it a starting point. However, to improve the predictive powers of the SWS, real life "corrections" are being continuously fed into the simulation, both via dedicated programming, as well as internet data mining, to gain improved present predictive powers, as well as the ability of FUTURE prediction via adding stimuli beforehand to shape the public's perception, as per the A.I's recommendation.
https:// youtu.be/fAh0r4C6Q2Q