The term "compute campuses" has emerged as a new way to refer to AI infrastructure, according to a spokesperson from OpenAI. In a conversation with Business Insider on Sunday, the representative confirmed that OpenAI prefers this phrase, explaining that "compute campuses" more accurately reflects the scope and significance of the infrastructure being developed for AI. They emphasized that these initiatives represent long-term investments in computing resources, energy infrastructure, and the cultivation of skilled labor.
This trend of rebranding AI terminology began in September, notably when President Trump expressed his preference for the term "Super Intelligence" to replace "artificial intelligence." This change was mandated for federal officials under his administration and has gained traction among several AI leaders, although OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman has not adopted it.
A summer survey conducted by Pew Research revealed that only 16% of Americans view the future of AI positively, suggesting that a name change could be an attempt to sway public perception, albeit one that assumes a rather critical view of the populace's attitudes.
Public sentiment regarding data centers is also on the decline, as indicated by a Pew survey from September. This survey assessed perceptions of data centers in relation to environmental impact, utility expenses, quality of life in neighborhoods, job creation, and tax revenues, with only 4% of respondents believing that data centers contribute positively across these areas.
The intersection of data centers and electoral politics has become increasingly significant, with some candidates using terms like "data senator" to draw attention. This indicates a growing partisan divide on the issue, although "compute campus senator" lacks the same punch.
OpenAI's spokesperson shared their goal of involving local communities in shaping the infrastructure's development and ensuring they benefit from the opportunities it generates. Gizmodo has reached out to OpenAI for further verification of this rebranding initiative and will provide updates if a response is received.
