As more and more people move to big cities, small towns are left behind. But what happens when Big tech comes to these small towns?
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Introduction
When big tech comes to small towns, it can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it can bring much-needed jobs and investment to struggling communities. But on the other hand, it can displace long-time residents and disrupt established ways of life.
In recent years, a number of tech companies have set up shop in small towns across the united states Google has built a data center in Pryor, Oklahoma; Facebook has built one in Newton, Iowa; and Amazon has built one in Hillsboro, Oregon. These projects have brought millions of dollars of investment and hundreds of jobs to each community.
But they’ve also created tension between the towns’ old guard and new arrivals. In many cases, the tech workers are well-paid and have little interaction with locals outside of work. This can create a feeling of resentment among long-time residents who feel like they’re being priced out of their own communities.
There’s no easy solution to this problem. But if big tech companies want to be good neighbors in small towns, they need to do more to engage with the local community and make sure that their presence benefits everyone, not just their own employees.
The effects of big tech on small towns
big tech companies are increasingly coming to small towns, providing jobs and economic growth. However, with this growth comes some challenges. Let’s take a look at the effects of big tech on small towns.
The good
Big tech companies are often seen as a threat to small towns. But they can also bring new opportunities and investment.
Small towns across America are struggling. Main Street businesses are closing, young people are leaving, and tax bases are shrinking. But in recent years, some small towns have been getting a boost from an unlikely source: big tech companies.
Silicon Valley giants like Amazon, Facebook, and Google have been setting up data centers and other facilities in small towns across the country. These investments have brought much-needed jobs and economic development to these communities.
Data centers require a lot of space and a lot of power, so they tend to be located in rural areas where land is cheap and there is room to build. They also tend to be located near sources of renewable energy, like hydroelectric dams or wind farms.
The influx of big tech investment has had a positive impact on small towns in many ways. Job creation is the most obvious benefit. These data centers usually create hundreds or even thousands of new jobs, both directly and indirectly.
These jobs tend to be well-paying, with good benefits. They also tend to be stable, since data centers require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. This can offer some much-needed stability to small towns that have been struggling economically.
In addition to jobs, data centers also bring new tax revenue to small towns. This can help fund important public services like schools and police departments. It can also help improve infrastructure, making it easier for businesses to locate there.
Big tech companies have also been investing in other ways in small towns across America. Google has been working with local organizations to provide free internet access in rural areas. Facebook has been working on projects to bring high-speed internet access to more people around the world. And Amazon has been working on plans to deliver packages by drone in some remote areas.
These investments have not always been welcomed by everyone in small towns. Some residents worry about the impact on the environment or the potential for job losses if automation increases in the future. Others worry about the changing character of their community as it grows and attracts new residents from outside the area.
The bad
The bad effects of big tech on small towns are many. Small businesses are struggling to compete with the big box stores that are moving in. Mom and pop shops are being forced out of business, and the character of the town is changing. There is also a lot of traffic and congestion, and the town is losing its small-town feel.
The ugly
The ugly side of big tech coming to small towns is that it can often lead to the displacement of long-time residents and small businesses. When big tech companies move in, they often bring with them high-paying jobs and a lot of money. This can lead to an influx of new residents who are willing and able to pay higher prices for housing and other goods and services. This can price out long-time residents who can no longer afford to live in their own hometowns. Additionally, big tech companies often require a lot of land for their operations, which can lead to the demolition of homes and businesses that have been around for generations.
Conclusion
The arrival of big tech companies in small towns can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it can bring much-needed jobs and investment to an area. On the other hand, it can also lead to rising costs of living and displacement of local residents.
towns should do their best to prepare for the arrival of big tech, by ensuring that they have adequate housing and infrastructure in place, and by working to ensure that local businesses are not displaced.
