Satisfactorily utilizing new things is always difficult

June 23, 2026

Why is it that every time some new thing comes along, there are always some negative aspects with it? Maybe some bad things are just part of the thing. Or, maybe those negatives really just result from how some people implement or put the thing to work.

One recent example is the data center craze. Data centers provide us with information and ways of using and accessing it. But they also take up a lot of space, use huge amounts of electricity and water, and those negative aspects affect the same people that the centers are designed to help.

The result has been significant opposition to data centers, as the people are noticing the negatives.

Another one is Artificial Intelligence, or AI. AI gives us smart devices and software that can do lots of things, including things that human beings are now doing. AI can accelerate processes, automate repetitive tasks, analyze huge datasets with high accuracy, reduce human error, and drive innovation.

So, what is wrong with that? Well, AI is accompanied by several issues, such as practical usability hurdles and profound societal and ethical dilemmas. Large Language Models sometimes produce factually incorrect or fabricated information, including false citations, and this can be a real problem in law, medicine, and education. Their huge data sets often contain historical prejudices, stereotypes, and cultural biases which raise concerns in areas like hiring, healthcare, and policing.

AI can be used to deceive people, like teachers, people who use applications for potential workers or scholarship applicants, etc. When a teacher, for example, assigns an essay to his or her students, will they be able to tell if the essay was written by the student, or AI? When you see a video of a well-known person giving you an “important” message, can you be sure it is not AI?

And, there are other issues, as well. One of the ones that will affect millions of Americans is that AI can and will replace lots of human workers. Yes, some AI will be used for work that doesn’t replace existing workers, by creating new areas of work. But, as time goes on, employers will see advantages to using AI instead of people for some tasks, as it can reduce operational costs, and provide other useful advantages. 

We already see some of that in stores where checkout is now available by computerized devices. This particular area has generated a good bit of criticism from shoppers, who say they prefer to be checked out by a person. That may be desirable to many, but others appreciate not having to stand in line waiting on the cashier to get to them.

To what extent should we expect AI to replace workers? The June edition of Newsmax magazine addresses this question. One chart shows potential full-time jobs currently being handled by people that may or will be handled by AI. This year, it could replace 25 million workers. By 2027, 45 million; by 2028, 55 million, 65 million by 2029, and by 2030, 99 million.

And the functions that AI will overtake include: 63 percent of Cashiers; 51 percent of Drivers; 42 percent of Translators; 26 percent of Stocking Associates; 24 percent of Customer Service Representatives; 23 percent of Bookkeepers; 21 percent of Cleaners; 19 percent of Bartenders; and 17 percent of Waiters.

Newsmax then tells us that of the 74.08 million women workers, AI may impact nearly 59 million of them. And, of the 84.21 million men workers, AI may impact 48.6 million of them.

The Big Question: What will these millions of replaced workers do to earn a living? Some may be ready to retire, and will choose to do that. Others may be able to perform other types of work that AI hasn’t yet been able to take over, or doesn’t replace as many as some other job types. But this may well be a very serious problem.

On the bright side, the Newsmax report has the results of a poll that shows that employees who have AI skills have more job security than those who do not. The categories: Definitely - 45 percent; Probably - 38 percent; Probably Not - 9 percent; Definitely Not - 3 percent; and Not Sure - 8 percent. So, learning about AI is thus encouraged.

Another poll shows that it is expected to benefit political candidates: Very Beneficial - 65 percent; Somewhat Beneficial - 31 percent; Not Very Beneficial - 3 percent; Not Beneficial At All - 0 percent; and Not Sure - 1 percent.

Returning to the data center subject, the idea of putting the centers in space has drawn some support. This will eliminate the use of millions of gallons water for cooling, as the temperature in space is cold. And being in space will provide massive amounts of solar energy, saving energy produced on Earth.

So, while there are good things about AI and data centers, we must be aware, and prepared to address the problems so that the American people get as much benefit from these new things as the faction that worships them and profits from them.