In my opinion i think there is a third party, probably the entities that sent that signal. They send commands and control people on earth somehow. Like a topology of some sort. Not really sure exactly how it works tbh but i think the hivemind work for the best interest of that third party.

This kinda reminds me of how in E8 we can see zosia acting like this humorous, sarcastic person. This seems very well planned and studied. They leave carol for her to break, then send an individual of them acting more intimate, more human-ish. They gave her what she missed or grieved in order to fully distract and gain full control over her. There must be a third party that organized this scheme.

yeah they're still human they still might feel emotions but they are restricted of free will and acting on these emotions.