Support for the construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the United States has plummeted across all demographic groups, demonstrating a rare consensus among usually polarized American public opinion.
According to a new survey conducted by Embold Research and published by Heatmap Pro, the data shows that an impressive 75 percent of Americans are opposed to the establishment of AI data centers in their neighborhoods, with 61 percent expressing 'strong disagreement.'
The survey found that only 42 percent of Americans opposed the construction of such centers a year ago, and this sharp drop in support is observed uniformly across all demographic groups.
Robinson Mayer, Executive Editor at Heatmap, explained that 'if you can come up with any cohort of Americans, there is a high probability that they do not welcome a data center in their neighborhood.'
He added that this shift against the facilities is evident regarding age, gender, income, party affiliation, and the difference between rural and urban areas. Data centers lag behind Republicans by 43 points, Independents by 65 points, and Democrats by 75 points.
Many respondents, analysts, and technical insiders are surprised by the speed of the change in public opinion regarding data centers. Mayer noted that this change occurred 'on a scale I would never have thought possible.'
Adam Carlson, founder of Zenith Polls, wrote that he 'have never seen anything like it,' adding that 'opponents of data centers are turning supporters not just into neutrals, but into opponents.'
Ramez Naam, a former Microsoft employee and technologist, characterized this change as 'crazy' and asked, 'When was the last time political opinions on any issue changed so quickly?'