Most Americans have heard about data centers — the more they learn, the more negative their views
A major survey by Pew gives us a good look at how Americans are thinking about data centers as they start popping up in communities across the US.
Americans are paying attention as Big Tech continues its unprecedented data center build-out in communities large and small across the US. The more people know about data centers, the more negative their views of their potential effects.
A new survey by Pew Research Center gives us new insights into how the American public views data centers, just as they start popping up everywhere.
Some of the findings from the survey:
About 75% of Americans have heard a lot or a little about data centers.
More Americans think that data centers are “mostly bad” for the environment (39%), home energy costs (38%), and quality of life for those who live nearby (30%) than those who say they will have a positive effect.
Americans are more likely to say that data centers are “mostly good” for local jobs (25%) and local tax revenue (23%).
About one in five Americans say they aren’t sure about data centers’ impacts in these areas.
The survey was conducted between January 20 and 26 among 8,512 adults in the US.
Lawmakers and politicians are also paying attention to the national mood as it relates to data centers. A growing number of planned data center projects have been canceled as communities push back against Big Tech’s plans.
