On average, 48 percent of Americans are strongly opposed to AI centers in their region, while 23 are overwhelmingly opposed. Only seven percent of all US citizens are clearly in favor of a data center in their immediate neighborhood. The assessments differ depending on party affiliation, gender and region: women, supporters of the Democratic Party and people in the Midwest and southern states of the USA show greater rejection than men, Republicans and coastal residents. But there is no population group in which a majority supports large-scale AI systems in the region.
Energy and water requirements
Gallup also asked for reasons. Most (50 percent) mentioned an impact on resources and the environment: energy and water consumption were mentioned most. Fears about declining quality of life (22 percent), rising costs of living (20 percent) and environmental pollution (16 percent) were lower, but still significant. Economic factors and negative attitudes towards AI in general also played a role (14 percent each). Proponents mainly hoped for new jobs, tax revenue for their community and general positive economic factors.
Money for good neighbors?
Columnists like John Gruber think about how to change the minds of local communities. He quotes Ben Thompson, who suggests simply paying immediate neighbors financial compensation. After all, AI companies that would ultimately use the data centers had large financial resources – an annual contribution to the residents of often small affected communities would not have a significant impact on the operating costs. He recalls the Alaska Permanent Fund, into which oil and mining companies contribute, which the state pays out to its residents as an unconditional basic income. The idea that additional energy-hungry AI data centers may not be necessary given the simultaneous unpopularity of both the systems and the resulting products does not find any space, at least in this article.