LinkedIn cofounder says AI infrastructure is the 'only reason we're not in a recession'
LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman argues that the massive capital investment in AI infrastructure, specifically data centers, is a primary driver preventing a US economic recession. While the construction boom creates jobs, it faces growing public and political backlash regarding environmental impact.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between the economic necessity of AI infrastructure and the increasing public concern over the environmental and social costs of data center expansion.
Reid Hoffman says he's thankful for the data center buildout. JP Yim/Getty Images for Clinton Global Initiative Reid Hoffman says he's thankful for the data center buildout in the US. The LinkedIn cofounder said the capital behind it is keeping the US from a recession. Americans are souring on data centers overall. Many Americans are bristling over the data center buildout . Reid Hoffman says he's thankful for it. The LinkedIn cofounder said so during an appearance on the "Newcomer" podcast that was released Friday. Hoffman credited the huge amount of capital behind the AI infrastructure buildout for being "the only reason we're not in a recession." He said "most of that capital" doesn't go to the areas where data centers are being built. "Most of that's more distributed across the country," he said. "That's great."
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