A new study by the Pew Research Center has revealed a growing negative public opinion towards datacenters in the United States. The survey, conducted on a sample of over 8,500 adults, found that most respondents associate datacenters with negative impacts on the environment, home energy costs, and the quality of life of surrounding communities.

Public perception and reality

Only a small percentage of respondents believe that datacenters have a positive impact on the environment or job creation. Many believe that, while datacenters may increase local tax revenue, they do not necessarily bring skilled, well-paying jobs to the communities in which they are built. A study by the University of Michigan found that the jobs created during construction are often temporary.

Growing concerns

The growing anti-datacenter sentiment is part of a context of infrastructural expansion linked to the development of artificial intelligence systems. This expansion involves the construction of huge buildings and energy infrastructure, often without adequate involvement of local communities and at high costs. Some cities are actively opposing the construction of new datacenters due to concerns about energy consumption, pollution, and impact on water resources.

Moratorium proposal

In response to these growing concerns, Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed a moratorium on the construction of new datacenters in the United States. Sanders stressed the need to carefully assess the impact of artificial intelligence and robotics on the economy, employment and society as a whole.