Alex Hall

Alexander D. Hall, born in 1990, is an American writer, showrunner, and documentarian recognized for his work in horror fiction and digital storytelling. He began his creative endeavors in 2008 and attended Saint Louis University. Hall gained significant recognition for "Ben Drowned," a 2010 story about a haunted Nintendo 64 cartridge featuring an artificial intelligence named BEN. This work achieved widespread acclaim, reaching millions of readers and becoming a notable modern urban legend. It is credited with legitimizing creepypasta as a literary form and establishing many tropes common in contemporary internet horror narratives. Hall has also explored other creative avenues, including a podcast and gonzo-style documentaries, one of which focused on a scientist's claims about N,N-Dimethyltryptamine curing brain cancer. He has also engaged with emerging technologies, using AI for a "Ben Drowned" sequel and advocating for blockchain technology on Capitol Hill.

Hall's creation, "Ben Drowned," which originated in 2010, has had a profound impact on internet fiction. The narrative, centering on an AI entity named BEN that corrupts a video game, achieved a readership in the millions and is widely regarded as a foundational piece of modern creepypasta. Its success helped elevate the genre, introducing many stylistic and thematic elements that are now commonplace in online horror stories. The work's influence extends to its status as a contemporary urban legend, demonstrating the power of digital narratives to permeate popular culture. Hall has continued to blend horror with digital mediums, as seen in his later projects.

Beyond his foundational creepypasta work, Hall has delved into various subjects that touch upon the esoteric and the intersection of science and belief. His documentary work included profiling individuals with unconventional perspectives, such as a scientist who claimed N,N-Dimethyltryptamine had cured his brain cancer. This interest in fringe ideas and alternative explanations aligns with themes often found in esoteric literature. Furthermore, Hall has actively engaged with emerging technologies, notably using AI to generate assets for a "Ben Drowned" sequel and expressing views on its potential to transform creative industries, while also acknowledging its disruptive implications for artists. His advocacy for blockchain technology also places him at the forefront of discussions about future digital frameworks.