Although internet use may seem like an immaterial activity, it is actually based on a massive physical infrastructure of data centers, communication networks, and servers operating around the clock to store, transmit, and process information. These centers consume enormous amounts of electrical energy, not only to operate the servers, but also to cool them and maintain their operational efficiency. Recent estimates indicate that the digital sector contributes approximately 4% of total global carbon emissions, a percentage close to that of the entire international aviation sector. This percentage is expected to double over the next decade with the increasing reliance on cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, and online streaming of visual content. This makes it imperative to reconsider digital consumption patterns and adopt more sustainable practices in data management and internet use.
Digital energy depletion takes many forms related to daily usage patterns of modern technologies, most notably:
• Excessive video viewing and live streaming. These activities are among the most energy-intensive digital processes, as they rely on transferring massive amounts of data across high-density networks at high speeds, requiring the operation of powerful servers and massive data centers operating around the clock.
• Unnecessary cloud storage, where users store massive files, photos, and videos online without actual need, increases the constant demand for new digital storage space and doubles the electricity consumption required to cool and operate data centers.
• Addiction to smart devices, a modern behavior that contributes directly and indirectly to energy consumption, whether through the constant charging of devices or their frequent replacement, which generates e-waste and high environmental costs associated with manufacturing processes and the disposal of non-biodegradable components.
These phenomena combined confirm that the digital depletion of resources is no longer just a technical issue, but has become an environmental, economic, and social challenge that requires awareness and responsible behavior from individuals and institutions alike.
Rationalizing digital usage is an essential step toward achieving sustainability in the technological age, as it contributes to reducing carbon emissions and decreasing pressure on natural resources. One of the most prominent practices of this rationalization is adopting the concept of "digital fasting," which is based on reducing time wasted on unnecessary browsing and using the internet more productively and consciously. Digital sustainability can also be enhanced by relying on local storage solutions instead of cloud storage whenever possible, reducing the demand for energy-intensive data centers. Additionally, it is recommended to choose energy-efficient electronic devices and ensure their lifespan is extended through regular maintenance rather than frequent replacement, which increases e-waste and consumes new manufacturing resources. Establishing a culture of digital conservation among individuals and organizations is one of the keys to the transition to a sustainable digital economy that balances technological progress with environmental conservation.