‘This gap matters’: Many of us still don’t know anything about data centers, new survey finds

A survey reveals that many people still lack essential knowledge about what data centers are and what they do.
89% of UK adults were unfamiliar with data centers, and many were worried about the environmental effects.
However, attitudes are still forming and could change in the years to come.

New research has found that, despite their growing importance in daily life (and their growing presence in global news), many of us don’t really know what data centers do.

A report from SEC Newgate found that 89% of UK adults were unaware of data centers – and 14% said they had never heard of them, showing a widespread lack of knowledge around these facilities.

This is despite growing concerns about data centers across the world, primarily regarding the environmental impact of new facilities, particularly regarding electricity and water consumption.

Data center knowledge gap

Perhaps most worryingly, SEC Newgate’s findings include a survey of more than 1,500 members of the British public, as well as a separate survey of almost 500 councilors, demonstrating an alarming lack of knowledge among those who make key local decisions.

For those who were familiar with data centers, their connection to AI was the most important factor: three-quarters of respondents believed that data centers were growing because of excessive demand for the technology.

Support for new data centers also proved somewhat conditional, suggesting that many members of the public still haven’t made up their minds about their views.

The survey found that when respondents were given factual information explaining what data centers do, how they work and why they are needed, attitudes changed significantly, with positive sentiment rising from just over a third to more than six in ten (from 35% to 61%), support for building new data centers increased (from 54% to 73%) and almost eight in ten (79%) supported the government’s decision to classify data centers as critical national infrastructure.

However, similar to the global focus on the requirements of new data centers, the report notes growing concern about the facilities.

Two-thirds (67%) of respondents believe data centers consume too much energy, while many also say they are concerned about pressure on water resources (55%) and cybersecurity risks (66%).

Overall, 60% said they would support more data centers being built in their region because they are essential to the country’s future growth. However, four in ten (40%) say they would not do so, even if the national benefits were explicit.

“Data centers now constitute critical national infrastructure, but this research shows that we have failed to achieve a common public understanding of what they are, why they are important, or how they fit into everyday life,” said Leyla Hart-Svensson, Managing Director, Insight & Intelligence, SEC Newgate.

“This gap matters as the UK makes major decisions on digital growth, because trust and consent are not automatic: they must be earned. What we see is not a public opposed to data centers, but one whose opinions are still forming, and increasingly influenced by broader concerns about technology and artificial intelligence. come.”

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