Another two-edged sword, perhaps? It is clear that the use of AI in problem solving which produces beneficial results for Mankind is the good side, but most of the population is being flooded with slop that does nothing to benefit Mankind, only to benefit snake oil merchants.
It is pretty clear that these data centres consume electricity at phenominal rates. Rates that the present generating system cannot match without depriving other users of electricty of that power. Some of these data cenres have had to install jet turbine powered generating units to meet demand in areas where the established grid cannot meet all the demands on it.
Definitely. Electrical circuits produce heat. When you have stacks of server units in a building, their combined heat generation becomes a problem because too much heat causes failures in the circuitry. We know about cooling problems with nuclear power stations, and I suppose we should recognise the heat associated with those generating units that burn stuff to create steam - and the steam releases heat, too, when it has been used.
Another hearalded benefit is employment. That's a crock. The only time there is massive employment is during construction. Once the centre is built, only a handful of people is required to monitor the running and attend to maintenance needs. Just look at the large infrastructure projects arond the place. As soon as they are completed, the workforce moves on. In fact, most of that workforce has arrived in an area solely to do the work. Few locals gain from these projects.