I think locals (unlike economists apparently) are also thinking what is produced in particular in those facilities.
Yes, a chip fab might in fact be more of an environmental hazard, but at least the benefits of the products are clear.
I think this even used to be true with data centers before AI: It's sort of easy to see the need for one if you're hosting your own website in one or at least understand a bit more how the internet works.
The problem with AI is that both the product and its production now have a negative reputation.
Why should people tolerate the downsides of a factory if its only product is actively causing job losses, mental health problems and large-scale cognitive decline?
Yes, a chip fab might in fact be more of an environmental hazard, but at least the benefits of the products are clear.
I think this even used to be true with data centers before AI: It's sort of easy to see the need for one if you're hosting your own website in one or at least understand a bit more how the internet works.
The problem with AI is that both the product and its production now have a negative reputation.
Why should people tolerate the downsides of a factory if its only product is actively causing job losses, mental health problems and large-scale cognitive decline?