In the past decade, particularly the last five years or so, the rise of artificial intelligence, or AI, has been extremely prevalent, making news headlines and sparking debates across the globe. AI is a type of technology that allows computers to perform tasks that require the human characteristics of problem solving, comprehension, and learning. While it can be incredibly useful, such as automating mundane or repetitive tasks or improving the speed of, say, your phone, several concerns have been raised as AI continues to be developed and surpass what anyone had ever expected.
If you asked a group of high school or college students if they’ve ever used AI, either as a replacement for Google or for help on an assignment, a majority will say, “yes”. Most people view AI sites, such as ChatGPT or Grok, as simply more sophisticated ways to find information. Even Google — a tool so popular it has its own verb, googling — has integrated AI into its platform, providing a generated summary at the top of any search, and creating Google Gemini. However, many professionals point out that there is a much darker side to this growing reliance on artificial intelligence.
While many people would argue that AI is helping them learn, giving them clearcut and easy to understand answers, it is also important to note that there are downsides to such avenues. As Harvard professor Tina Grotzer points out in an interview, humans have “incredible minds and abilities.” We are capable of doing amazing things, such as thinking critically and solving complex, multifaceted problems. Although recent technology is incredibly advanced, it is not yet possible for AI to do things such as create novel ideas, comprehend common sense, or actively learn. These are uniquely human skills. Even so, they become lost as people allow themselves to become passive and let AI do their thinking for them.
AI’s impact on humans isn’t the only concern, though. Several red flags have been raised around how the data centers used to house generative AI models are affecting the environment. In order to train and use AI models, data centers use an ever increasing amount of energy, a demand so great that companies must rely on fossil fuels to power them, a known negative for the environment. These centers have quickly become some of the largest electricity consumers in the world. Not only that, but every time a person asks ChatGPT a question, the models require energy, up to five times more energy than a regular internet search, continuing the high electricity demand even after technological training is complete.
These facilities also consume an unsettling amount of water. The data centers must be kept chilled, doing so by using cooled water to absorb heat from equipment. If it is a large center, it is possible for it to use up to 5 million gallons a day. That’s the daily usage of a town that has 10,000 to 50,000 people. For context, the population of Durham is 7,200. With the growing number of data centers, this increased demand comes at a time when the UN has declared that the world has entered an era of global water bankruptcy. This means that water consumption is exceeding natural replenishment. This is compounded by the fact that these facilities use fresh water, meaning they are sucking up humans only drinkable water source.
Despite all of this, action is being taken across the country to combat the negatives arising from AI, including on the federal level. On Wednesday, March 25th, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a bill that would halt the construction of new AI data centers until safeguards are put in place that protect workers, consumers, and the environment. In order to resume building, it would need to be ensured that technologies would not further harm the environment, push up utility costs, or continue job displacements. If passed, the bill’s proposed moratorium would go into effect immediately.
All of this is to say, be more mindful when going to use AI. Instead of turning to a chat bot to answer your math question, ask a friend or teacher. Can’t find the perfect recipe? Look up a popular cooking website. If you’re having trouble understanding a book for English class, search up a YouTubers explanation video. We have lived a long time without relying on the convenience of AI and can continue to do so until more sustainable guidelines are put in place.
