Growing Public Anger Over Utah’s Proposed Data Centers A Result Of AI Resentment

No one likes when their world changes and especially when their livelihood feels threatened. The quick rise of artificial intelligence has built up resentment in people and I think data centers in Utah have become the focus of that hate.

The Emotional Impact of AI on Human Perception

An article in Forbes looked at research that reflected people's animosity towards pictures and video created by AI. People were far more likely to disparage something that they suspected had been artificially created in any way.

People emotionally allow their preexisting bias against AI to materially shape their perception of content shown to them.

In the study people demonstrated a deep disdain for AI created material. Just the suggestion of AI had people rejecting a picture even if it was completely created by a human.

They point out it is not surprising considering how this technology has disrupted people's lives.

In one sense, you can’t blame them for this spate of anger. The news keeps saying that AI is going to take away everyone’s jobs.

Data Centers as Lightning Rods for Anger

Disappearing jobs is just the beginning though. The feeling that AI is a threat to humanity and is displacing humans in the hierarchy of existence feeds into the resentment. This is heightened by social media and news stories.

I think this is playing out with the data centers in Utah. Consider that these are going into rural areas where people are more resistant to change anyway. Then add in the resentment building up from the news and it results in strong emotions.

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Whether or not these large facilities are good or bad for the communities they are trying to build them in is its own argument. The emotion and desire to drive them out seems filled with this fear and resentment for AI overall. The data centers have become the trigger.