I’m fascinated by the seemingly contradictory passions around AI and data centers.
On one hand, the media is full of articles and predictions about the use of AI. It is the hottest topic, with endless coverage about how to use it, why it’s the next big thing, its many benefits, and how everyone needs to be prepared for AI to change how they do their work.
Next to these urgings are stories and protests about data centers. Municipalities are writing moratoriums preventing their construction in their towns. Neighbors are complaining about the noise, environmental impact, excessive use of water, and devaluation of their property.
But you can’t have it both ways. AI can’t permeate businesses, schools, and households without the infrastructure to support it, and that means data centers.
People did not (do not) want prisons, transitional housing, wastewater treatment plants, or transmission cables in their backyards either, yet concessions were made to create them and provide services that benefit the overall community. I suspect similar sacrifices will occur as municipalities wrestle with how to address the growing demand for the many facets of AI models and preserve the community’s culture and environment.
The AI genie is out of the bottle and putting it back is not an option. Now it’s time for human intelligence to create responsible guidelines for the next phase of generation and use.
