• Duamerthrax@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    Are these datacenters doing scientific research or are they generating AI images and crypto? These things do not have equal value to society.

    • KingJalopy @lemm.ee
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      5 months ago

      I’m not computer worker person but I’m pretty sure most are just serving websites and podcasts and music and all the shit we actually love about the Internet. Websites like this, and Netflix, Amazon (horrible company but so glad I can buy shit on my phone that shows up in an hour or 2) even ones like Plex, pirate Bay types, or foss things. But also crypto and AI bullshit, and probably sex trafficking and illegal dangerous goods . Modern luxuries we enjoy come with bullshit attached. It’s all or nothing as far as I see.

      • Duamerthrax@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        Crypto and AI are crazy power intensive to run. Far beyond what it takes a streaming service to send you a video file and considering many people are choosing streaming over driving their gasoline fueled car to the theater, it’s a net gain.

    • Optional@lemmy.worldOP
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      5 months ago

      You know very well what the data enters in question are doing. They’re making money, that’s why they get funding. Science does not make enough money to fund it.