Same Plot Device, Different Show

I watch Doctor Who. This Spring and Summer the BBC aired several episodes. One episode, Silence in The Library, introduced a type of thought communication called ghosting. Another episode, Midnight, introduced an unexplained being who read and repeated your thoughts while and even before you could say them.

I've been watching Fringe. This Fall Fox has aired several episodes. One episode, The Ghost Network, "introduced" a thought communication network called ghosting. Another Episode, The Arrival, "introduced" an unexplained being who read and repeated your thoughts while and even before you could say them.

Get my point? Odd coincidence? Theft? Great minds think alike? These plot devices have been around a while? Any shows you watch seemingly steal plot devices from each other?