What We See, What We Do Not See - Have You Ever Thought About the Energy Consumption of ICT?

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a critical resource in the current economy and society. Services based on ICT are embedded in our daily lives as an invisible layer, partially replacing traditional practices and providing new opportunities. The transition to the current era of the Information (Intensive) Society has taken place gradually over the decades in all areas of society, including education. We are accustomed to using ICT without considering the various phenomena behind it. One of these phenomena is the energy required and its environmental consequences. Energy consumption related to the use of ICT is growing exponentially. Although users cannot significantly influence this phenomenon, it is important to identify the factors behind it and guide their choices in a direction that promotes sustainable development. This aspect should be considered even in ICT education. This paper examines the energy consumption of ICT from different perspectives. The topic is not widely or systematically studied; existing studies are imprecise and provide conflicting results. This is why it is important to create an overview of the current state of the subject.