I didn’t want to jump into the ‘data center’ fight because it’s typical for those on the left to be ignorant and uninformed. It’s how the left rolls, so I wasn’t going to waste much time, but I couldn’t remain silent when I saw so many on the supposed ‘right’ begin to mutter the same damn propaganda lies about data centers as the left.
Most people don’t even realize they’re using a data center when posting opposition to data centers on social media. I’m sure, at least I hope by now, that most people have heard of the ‘Cloud.’
The cloud isn’t some pretty, fluffy, random thing in the sky; it’s a data center. We have over 4,000 data centers across the United States.
You’re using a data center to read this.
I’m going to break this down below into the simplest form so even a child can understand.
“A data center is a specialized facility that houses computing equipment used to store data, run applications, and deliver digital services over networks.”
It’s a place full of:
- 🖥️ servers that do computing
- 💾 storage systems that hold data
- 🌐 network equipment that moves data around
- ⚡ power systems to keep everything running
- ❄️ cooling systems so the hardware doesn’t overheat
- 🔐 security systems to protect the equipment and data
Think of it like a warehouse only it stores emails, photos, videos, files, websites, applications, and AI services.
Cloud on-demand computing services are delivered over the internet from remote data centers. Data centers are the physical infrastructure. Cloud is the service model built on top of that infrastructure. Some everyday examples are below:
- Gmail → your emails are stored in data centers
- Netflix → videos are sent from data centers
- Google Drive / iCloud / Dropbox → your files live in data centers
- Instagram / TikTok → photos and videos are processed and stored in data centers
- Chatbots / AI tools → requests are handled by servers in data centers
In simpler terms:
Your device
Your phone or laptop:
- shows the app
- let’s you type and click
- stores some local files
The cloud
The data center:
- stores huge amounts of data
- runs heavy computing tasks
- sends results back to your device
In even simpler terms
- Your phone is the remote control 🎮
- The data center is the engine room ⚙️
Now that we have that all simplified and cleared up (I do apologize to those who work in Information Technology or are already well-versed with this information), let’s talk about the ‘proposed’ Nottingham data center.
It was literally just a high-level concept. There was no engineering report or project design. It was nothing more than the developer reaching out to see the reaction. Boy, did he get one. [Related: Morning Update: Fake AI Animus]
Suddenly, everyone (most who know absolutely nothing about data centers) became a DOOMSDAY EXPERT in data centers. Information was flying all around the interwebs, mostly in local Facebook groups. I’m sure you’ve seen them. Much of the information was false, exaggerated, or completely alarmist in nature.
The entire topic is very reminiscent of Covid times, when people would lose their minds if you dared to post something counter (based on facts) to what they were being told. Just a reminder for people, I was RIGHT about Covid and the response to it. MANY of us were, but propaganda prevailed (like it is now) and people just fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
The Nottingham developer removed his ‘conceptual consultation’ and will conduct additional research. What he should have done is had the plans completed so THEN people could be up in arms about what they might THINK would be an issue. The opponents of the data center used information completely unrelated to the project, since there IS no actual project design or engineering report yet.
And again, much of the information being shared was exaggerated, alarmist, and in many cases, completely false. You cannot have an honest discussion about this issue if you are not basing it on FACTS directly related to the proposed facility.
Are there legitimate concerns with data centers? Absolutely. Each of these concerns – water, electricity, noise etc. should all be addressed. There are mitigations that can be implemented and the project shouldn’t go forward unless they are addressed. That is the same with ANY project that is brought to the local board for approval.
The problem with propaganda; however, is it’s just that. It’s not usually based on facts OR it’s filled with complete exaggerations and half-truths. The good thing about propaganda is that there’s usually a money trail and a timeline for when and where it began:
What’s most concerning is the supposed Conservatives who are suddenly believing absolute crap posted by hardcore leftist organizations. They never believed anything from these psychopathic leftists before, rightfully, but suddenly they’re ALL IN without doing their own verification!
I am neutral on the Nottingham data center. Each data center is different. Each local municipality is different. Without an actual project design or engineering report, NO ONE understands exactly what the developer is asking.
And for the inevitable anti-data center zombies in the comments:
#1 NO, I don’t work for Big Tech
#2 NO, I’m not being paid to push data centers (these people really sound like leftists when they say this crap). I’m NOT pushing data centers, just pushing facts regarding data centers – good, bad, and ugly. FACTS are what matter.
#3 YES, I used AI to help me research this article and facts that I have been sharing. I intentionally prompted AI NOT to give me any biased responses. The first response I got when asking about data centers was filled with climate cult garbage. I don’t want bias on either side, just the straight facts.
#4 If you’re ANTI-Data Center, at least, for the love of all that is good in this world, do some research to verify what you’re sharing and what you’re seeing. Don’t take ANYTHING at face value. Y’all are supposed to be smarter than that.
And remember, you used a data center to read this.
