Lately, I've been thinking about something that pricks at my conscience: the hidden costs behind the things we do, even in moments that seem harmless. This thinking came about after I read an article in Forbes that said that AI is depleting the world's scarcest natural resource, which is water. This is due to water being needed to cool the cooling systems to dissipate heat in data centers. And it's not just AI; it's the entire digital ecosystem. Every time we scroll through social media, stream videos, send emails, or even update this blog, data centers are working in the background, consuming energy and using water for cooling. It feels harmless, but in reality, it's not.
It's strange, isn't it? The idea that even our most intangible interactions have a footprint.
At first, it disturbed me. I feel a lingering sense of guilt knowing that something as simple as writing, chatting, or even creating art online comes with a hidden cost. But then the more I reflect on it, the more I realize how much of life is built on similar contradictions. Take fast fashion, for example. It's cheap, chic, and readily accessible almost everywhere, but at what cost? Somewhere in the world, cheap labor is working behind the scenes. Another example: plastic. Our modern life can't survive without plastic. It's so convenient to wrap our food and make life easier, but it ends up polluting our oceans, landfills, and eventually our bodies with microplastics that destroy our health.
We live in this web of contradictions where convenience often comes at an unseen price. And the hardest part is we can't always escape it. Does it make us hypocrites? Maybe. Or maybe it just makes us humans who are stuck in a system we didn't fully choose but still need every day.
But here's where I found a sense of peace in all this. I can't avoid all harm because, let's face it, that's almost impossible. But I can balance it. How? I'm not speaking for anyone else but myself. I can write and make art online with deeper purpose because knowing that even if it uses energy and resources, I can leave something meaningful behind. Words that comfort, art that connects, ideas that make someone feel seen. That's how you and I can give back.
I think about my poetry art, my drawings, and how they carry pieces of my Iban heritage. If they can spark reflection or connection, then maybe they’ve earned their place.
I can choose to create with intention. If what I write and what I draw can offer someone a sense of understanding, comfort, or even just a moment of reflection, then maybe the cost feels more balanced. It's like planting something in overused soil and hoping it takes root.
So yes, my writing on this blog or wherever I exist online, they do take something from the world. But I can use them for good and give something back. And that's the kind of balance I want to aim for.
What about you? Have you ever thought about the hidden costs behind the things you do online or consume? And how do you find peace with it?
The handwritten draft of this post, the book I currently read, and a cup of cool tea.
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Hi, I agree not just in consuming the digital world but in every little thing we do as well. There is always a consequence, good or bad. Sad thing is others think only of themselves and the benefit it gives them. Thank you for sharing this. I, too is guilty about it. Keep writing hiver✍️💪☺️
Yes, you are right. There is a cost to almost everything we do. It's crucial to be mindful of our actions and reactions, though it's impractical and too idealistic.
I really like this post. I totally get what you're saying! It's crazy how our online activities can have such a big impact on the environment. I never thought about how much water and energy is used to power data centers and keep our online world running It's like we're always talking about how convenient technology is, but we don't always think about the costs. And it's not just the environment, it's also the people who are affected by our consumption habits. I love how you said that we can't avoid all harm, but we can try to balance it out by creating meaningful content and being more intentional with our online activities. That really resonates with me. Thanks for sharing this.
I know, right? I was following all this tech news about AI and stuff, and other than the huge investments pumped into creating them, I hardly read anything about their implications for our environment. Although I was aware of the existence of existing data centers, I never truly understood how they work. Indeed, it's an eye-opener. It makes me realize how hypocritical I could be when it comes to denouncing certain things without realizing I too am guilty of participating in things that could cause unintended harm to others and the environment. Btw, thank you for stopping by and commenting 🙏
I believe the Forbes article you were reading was interesting. I guess most of us are unaware of "how water is being needed to cool the cooling systems to dissipate heat in data centers." We just tend to see the general picture and not realizing that there are specific details behind it. Technological development is inevitable in this modern world that will never stop evolving. As the world continues to progress, people's ways also continue to wreak havoc on the environment. However, in our own little ways, we can contribute something that can at least lessen the negative impacts. If we are just more mindful of our deeds, we can help preserve our environment for the future generations' benefits. It takes a lot of conscious thinking and mindfulness to make these little habits to be part of our daily actions.
I totally agree. I think it's good if we all could at least do less of the negativity, like judge and criticize one another online. I know it sounds so idealistic and impractical, but then we could, in our own little ways, make this world a better place to live in. Btw, thank you for stopping by and commenting 🙏
Your post was so interesting and informative, I liked your thoughts about the article you've read. Thank you for sharing this, Yes, AI nowadays were so fast arising, I could't imagine what is the world become 10 years from now.
Thank you. Glad you liked it. AI is here to stay, though many are putting their heads in the hole hoping it'll go away or trying to put it back in the box or lash against those who use it to improve their quality of life and such. It's going to change the way we do things and more. Personally, I like it, and I hope to see more good things from it for the benefit of mankind. But like I mentioned in the post, it'd come with a huge cost.
Yes indeed, AI has PROS AND CONS, it's up to us humans how we can handle this
You are absolutely right. We often overlook the emotional cost at the expense of our loved ones, especially children. I'm as guilty as you are too.