One third of the world's internet traffic flows through data centers in just one US state: Virginia. 'Data Center Alley' now has hundreds of vast data warehouses that not only store our data and power AI, but also consume alarming amounts of water and electricity. In an exclusive deep dive into the industry, Business Insider reporters compiled a map of the locations, owners, and energy needs of America's data centers for the first time. We travelled to Virginia to meet people living in the shado

Data centers are the backbone of our digital world. All the sites you visit and social media you post happen there. A boom in huge data centers to support AI is underway, and they’re taking a big toll on the environment and life for the people around them. | Stuff You Should Know