[Dilbert San Diego]

I don’t understand what’s going on with data centers.

We’ve been hearing a lot about data centers, and about community opposition to them, because they supposedly use so much power and water.

What I have not heard about, is what is the need or function of the data centers. The internet as we know it has been around for decades, and has functioned without all of these data centers.

I’m sure I’ve missed something. But wondered, why the talk of data centers springing up, and why is there a need for them? What functions are they supposed to serve, that are not already being done with how the internet functions now?

[ComputerGuy]

...why is there a need for them?

They will store yuge amounts of data and charge you to access it. Right now, there is simply too much information available for free ;)

[jeffersondem]

“The internet as we know it has been around for decades, and has functioned without all of these data centers.”

But AI has not been around for decades. And the use of AI has not peaked; it is just getting started - for business, health care, the military.

Others have said it, I repeat it: I'm not against guns. I am against the misuse of guns.

I am not against data centers. I am against Satan misusing data centers. Just like the printing press was used to publish Bibles, the printing press was used to publish Playboy Magazines.

Society is going to have to sort through regulatory controls. I hope regulators do not prevent our military from being able to knock down with a 100 percent success rate 10,000 hypersonic missiles headed our way - all at the same time.