Are data centers becoming a problem where you live?

[Masie]

They seem to be a problem everywhere. Where I live there are new laws that data center operators have to pay years of upfront utilities in collateral, along with long contracts with the state. There is even a new exit fee for those that want to up and leave.

[Still-alive]

Yup. we actually managed to get a proposed data center near me revoked because of the backlash...

but yes because the ultra wealthy demand it these data centers will go up unless the community in lockstep demands they do not. This is a classic david (the people) vs goliath (the ultra wealthy) situation. We must not give in. keep up the fight!

[Spencer10]

Data centers are a problem everywhere... they require way too much power thus raising prices for utilities, increase demand for computer hardware thus increasing prices and damage the water and environment. The question that we need to ask is AI that important?

[Masie]

I certainly don't find AI that important.

[Spencer10]

Me too... in fact I think humanity will find its more of a curse than a help.

[Masie]

Pretty sure you are right.

[Staximus]

AI is the devil and I don’t even believe in the devil

[NathanDavis]

I know that there's been Data Centers already built on both sides of the border, which is where I live... but these aren't as problematic..

the newer ones might become problematic because... someone, somewhere in the USA is about ramp up investments on Mexican water... from 8 billion to as much as 80 billion dollars for these newer data centers to be built in Mexico

the border doesn't have any extra water nor extra energy, Texas power grid is known to be a mess as well, so... it might be coming in the next years, problems, that is

[ohsheeT]

If you want to invest money invest in energy in all the states that there are data centers

And with the money that you make you need to reinvest it in something for your house That does not run on energy to power your house because they are going to suck up the power like you would not believe

People will start having power outages in the worst times where I live the data center is not even built yet and we have power outages when it gets too hot or too cold

Thanks for this question because I think I need to take my relax and build something to be prepared

[smahala1991]

Yes, especially here in the Southern US and Appalachia. A lot of farms and field are being bought up for Google and Apple data centers. Here in my part of NC Microsoft is putting in a data center and many people are furious and there's a Google Data Center not even 30 minutes from me.

[Masie]

This is typical of what I read about. We don't have any close to where I live in my state (Midwest). They are currently outside of big cities. Problem is that the increase in utility costs get spread around even if we don't have them locally.

[HawkPerception]

The good news is I believe they'll solve this problem soon. Apparently we'll all have miniature data centers in our homes in the near future. It's becoming more and more unrealistic to have massive facilities for everyone's data. It'll be the same as having modems for wifi in your house. Same concept. It's just progression of society.

[molonski2]

Interesting question , but I've never actually seen one , I'm invested in them though Australian REITs and they have been big business , they just can't build enough of them right now..

But , I've never seen one in action , would like to , I know they need a lot of water , shows the potential of AI and how big it's going to be.

[Lliam]

There are none near me, thank goodness.

I have heard stories of water pollution, unbearable noise pollution, air pollution, and increased energy prices where they exist.
What happened to the cries about reducing energy consumption to prevent global warming? Doesn't that apply to corporations and mega-millionaires?

And what are they for? I think their eventual purpose is to monitor and control us.

[Abbycado]

Not in our immediate area, but they are in the state in general.

[Masie]

Kind of the same here. There aren't any in the immediate area, but my parents complain about the increase in utility cost that gets spread around.

[Abbycado]

I'd have to ask my parents if they have seen an increase. I know so little about these centers other than people really don't want them around, and that they are all over the place now.

[Masie]

I don't know much about them either haha. I just see it in the news all the time.

[ChiTown33]

Depends what you define as a "problem". We've had data centers here for years. Like we had them here before the AI boom.

The only thing that really bothers me is the tax breaks they get to build here, they really add NOTHING to the job market, and they consume our resources. You know someone getting paid for it. Just not the community. It's the American way.🤣

[Nikki1989]

Yes, there are good reasons why no one wants them. However much like AI, the dimwitted masses will just accept whatever is forced upon them.

[AngryCarl3]

There are three data centres near where I lie but they must be small ones because I never noticed them.

[Masie]

That's good. Won't use up too many resources.

[FunkyMonkee]

Apparently!! Since they're making me pay for their electricity!!

[Masie]

Same with my family. My parents were complaining.

[FunkyMonkee]

As well they should!

[browsingthroughthe]

I embrace the eventual arrival of those being built here :)

Just another part of the fabric of the landscape. Hey, substations exist, quarries exist, rubbish/garbage tips exist.

Shrug

[AviatorTom]

No, but misinformed people are a problem, complaining about data centers and spreading all kinds of incorrect information about them.

[emeraldsaphire]

Not at all. I wish we had more. We could use the jobs.

[browsingthroughthe]

Ditto 🙏🏻

[Purpleronnie]

Hard to see them as a problem when they keep vast internet based services running globally.


If anyone sees them as an issue I’d suggest they move 😂

[Masie]

Umm, the ones here that I am talking about are being built for AI only. They take a huge amount of utilities that are often passed onto the residents of the states that host them.

[Purpleronnie]

But they exist because of demand !

[DryGermanGuy]

No, mainly because we have strong consumer protection laws that protect us from getting fucked over by sleazy corporations at every opportunity. So strange that the bestest and freest country in all the world hasn’t them? 🙄

[exitseven]

no, there is only one near where I live. It is tucked away where nobody can see it.

[Staximus]

Not yet, but there’s not a lot of open space left for them here in Southern California besides out in the desert.

[BadInfluence05]

Yes i’m waiting for them to plant an AI in human next.

[CupOfCoffee01]

I’m waiting for AI to turn on us.

[Masie]

Yeah no kidding. This isn't going to end well I don't think.

[CupOfCoffee01]

I seen movies like this. Eventually it happens.

[Xawyx-2]

Every center is a problem where I live :P

[Masie]

You have them too? Ridiculous.

[Xawyx-2]

I know, right? XD

[Masie]

It is. We have higher electricity bills to support this stuff.

[Xawyx-2]

Same here 🤷

[Paige2006]

No they aren't

[Bklynbadboy12]

Where are you located

[Masie]

Midwest. Our state has just seen huge ones open up that is driving utility costs up.

[Bklynbadboy12]

Why because of the electric consumption

[Masie]

Yes. They take tons of power to run.

[Bklynbadboy12]

Yes I'm a high voltage splicer so I know how they work they have a few here but most of the power come from solar

[Masie]

The issue we are having in my state is they are building out faster than the state can provide more power. There are new laws that protect us to an extent.

[canamlusciouslad73]

Not here in Windsor, Ont.

[Sweetdreams1950]

There doesn't seem to be a problem

[QuietRunner]

No, as l like the information on my phone

[Looser_Shah_98]

No maam.