AI Power Needs Drive a Media Hypercycle
Data center power consumption has rapidly increased in recent years, and is expected to grow exponentially by 2030. By the end of this decade, data centers and AI could consume a full quarter of all power in the United States, according to Forbes. With so many new data centers under construction across the United States, media coverage and social conversation of this phenomenon has expanded rapidly as well.
Silverline is pleased to share our newest report, “Powering AI Data Centers,” which examines the shift in media coverage and online conversation about data centers between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2024.
Artificial intelligence (AI) remained a key driver of negative sentiment in data center coverage, but the jump in negative sentiment was relatively modest – from 1%-3% year-over-year. AI is expected to remain a major part of the data center conversation and thought leaders will want to approach the subject aware of the context. Although AI is contributing to the rise in negative coverage, there continues to be increased coverage about climate and renewable energy solutions to address data center energy usage.
Top business publications are emerging as crucial resources for data center information, including Reuters, Bloomberg, and CNBC. Additional niche publications, like Latitude Media, have become specialists in the topic, and we’ve provided a case study of their coverage within the report. Reporters based in areas where data centers are heavily under development are also highlighted, including states like Virginia, Alabama, and Utah.
Social media influencers contribute largely to the conversation on data centers, broadcasting both positive and negative commentary on the topic. These influencers consist of trade media reporters, academics, and employees of technology companies such as Margaris Ventures and theCUBE Research.
There is no doubt that this technology and conversation is here to stay. Download our full report here to learn more and to read about how data center reporting may impact your organization.
