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AI capex is so big that it's affecting economic statistics

(paulkedrosky.com)
338 points throw0101c | 1 comments | 18 Jul 25 19:59 UTC | HN request time: 0.222s | source
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jonas21 ◴[18 Jul 25 21:09 UTC] No.44609857[source]▶
I don't know... 1.2% of GDP just doesn't seem that extreme to me. Certainly nowhere near "eating the economy" level compared to other transformative technologies or programs like:

- Apollo program: 4%

- Railroads: 6% (mentioned by the author)

- Covid stimulus: 27%

- WW2 defense: 40%

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raincole ◴[18 Jul 25 21:18 UTC] No.44609942[source]▶
Yeah that's my first reaction to. 1.2% doesn't sound much. It's just people making headlines out of thin air. If it lists the water and energy consumption I might be more concerned.

Slightly off-topic, but ~9% of GDP is generated by "financial services" in the US. Personally I think it's a more alarming data point.

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wnc3141 ◴[19 Jul 25 01:07 UTC] No.44611598[source]▶
Nearly 20% for healthcare causes some reservations -- considering how little we get for our money in America.
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1. jgalt212 ◴[19 Jul 25 01:10 UTC] No.44611619[source]▶
Yes, that stat is spirit crushing.