Vulnerable People and Places Blog

  In the current day and age, AI seems to have worked its way into many aspects of our lives. Whether it be utilizing AI in one’s job or asking ChatGPT a simple question, interacting with AI seems to be a very fast process. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process behind how an AI retrieves information is more complex than one would expect. Much of the technology that goes into a functional AI resides in specialized data centers, which hold hundreds of computers, servers, and other kinds of equipment that are constantly running. This 24/7 function comes with several consequences, one of which being constant noise pollution. Fans and generators make loud, droning sounds that aren’t just heard but felt too in the form of vibrations. Many people who live near data centers have raised complaints about the sound, saying that the constant humming can be perceived nearly a mile away from the data center itself. Reports show that the sound is very disruptive to nearby residential...

          Artificial intelligence is a useful tool and fascinating development that has surged in recent years. While previously we feared computers reaching levels of near-human intelligence, AI has become an extremely valuable asset to businesses and individuals. Still, many people foresee a sudden robot takeover of the world following the emergence of AI. While AI likely won’t surpass human intelligence anytime soon, here are a few risks we should consider.      AI replacing jobs is a significant concern among most workers today. AI can already be seen replacing certain professional responsibilities such as data entry, basic customer service, and even creative labor such as simple graphic design (think Canva AI). However, AI is certainly not at the level yet of replacing the jobs of healthcare professionals such as medical doctors and therapists, or creative jobs such as artistic direction. In fact, AI being used to replace therapy in some...

  Artificial intelligence has become part of our everyday lives. Whether you're using ChatGPT, asking Siri a question, or searching on Google, AI seems almost effortless. But what most people don't realize is that every AI response depends on massive data centers working around the clock. Data centers are large buildings filled with thousands of computers that store and process information. They make AI possible, but they also use enormous amounts of electricity and water to keep their systems running. As AI continues to grow, companies are building more and more data centers, which can place extra pressure on local communities and the environment. Many people support these projects because they bring investment, new technology, and some jobs. Others are concerned about the increased energy use, water consumption, noise, and the impact on nearby neighborhoods. These concerns have led to growing debates about where data centers should be built and how companies can reduce th...

  “The Cloud Lives Here: Oregon’s Data Center Boom and the Hidden Cost Behind Every Click” Move aside, Silicon Valley, California—Oregon has entered the conversation. For decades, California’s Silicon Valley has been recognized as the global center of technology innovation, home to some of the world’s largest technology companies and groundbreaking ideas. But the future of technology isn’t just being built in California anymore. Across the United States—and increasingly around the world—the conversation has shifted toward massive data centers. These enormous facilities have quietly become the backbone of our digital society, powering everything from streaming movies and online banking to cloud storage, artificial intelligence, and the apps we use every day. For many of us, the idea of giant computer networks isn’t new. We’ve watched movies since the 1980s and 1990s that imagined supercomputers, artificial intelligence, and f...

       When thinking about the coming generations, it is difficult not to be concerned about their brain development. As technology continues to advance, less and less books are printed out while less and less parenting takes place. This is due to the rise of whats called the  iPad Baby . The iPad Baby is a small child that has difficulty putting their technological screens down- they have difficulty with boredom and with unlimited access to technology, they will always reach for a screen for stimulation. The iPad Baby occurs due to the belief that if a child is stimulated through electronics, they will likely be more easily occupied and thus able to entertain themself. Considering that some parents install educational tools onto portable screens, this is an attractive option for parents. So why is it damaging?         Researchers have found that,  “Screens can improve education and learning; however, too much time spent in front of...

  Tech companies are making money without selling you anything. If they aren't selling you anything and they are making money, they must be selling someone something. How else are they earning cash? They are selling you. More specifically, they are selling your attention. You've probably heard the phrase time is money. Your time and attention are a valuable commodity. You go to work and get paid, sometimes hourly or by salary. Mainly, money is closely related to time.  If you are using a free online service, consider that your actions and attention may be sold for profit. Recently, this has become more widely known. People don't really care that much. I frequently hear "they already have all my data." To be fair, it's true. They already have a profile on you.  Time as a commodity is not as easy to quantify as a physical product like toilet paper or a car. What makes it quantifiable is the massive amounts of data collected from your usage of these platforms. Th...