The use of the internet devours much more energy than we imagine. The network of networks can be considered responsible for around a tenth of the consumption of direct electricity in the entire planet, according to Jonathan Koomey, a researcher at Stanford University. However, this figure must be taken with caution, because many of the computers that contribute to its magnitude are used for all kinds of tasks, not just data communication. This is especially true in the case of home computers or our phones. They are part of the internet, but we do not think of them as elements of the infrastructure that support our communications.

Despite being very high, the figure masks another reality: that our servers and computers are increasingly efficient from the energy point of view. In this way, a linear increase in its electricity consumption since 2000 has allowed an exponential increase in the amount of information circulating through the Network.

The large data centers that serve the content that we consume on a daily basis generate an important demand. So much so, that companies such as Google, Facebook or Apple must often build huge power plants with them to ensure their operation twenty-four hours a day. According to a study by Northwestern University (USA), only these centers are responsible for 3% of the energy consumed in the entire planet. Keep this in mind the next time you want to send the animated GIF of some kittens.