That’s not quite the flex you think it is. Prior to the general access to AI, using the internet was not nearly as energy intensive as it is now (and, unlike the internet, much of the AI energy drain is on stuff not yet accessible to the public).
Now, is internet use without impact on the environment? Of course not. But it’s not nearly the simple reductionist issue you imply.
I wasn't the one virtue signalling though.
Also as it's often the case like wealth, it's decided above your self imposed benchmark
Who should pay more tax? Well rich people, richer than me.
Who is causing damage with their IT use? Oh it's the AI users not me talking Star Trek online and checking out Instagram. So I can sit and judge.
Whereas huge portions of the world aren't even online yet are dealing with climate change. They may find your user objectionable. But you've decided one use is fine and the other is not by the yardstick that conveniently lets you carry on doing what you want to do.
I'm not an AI apologist. It has issues. But I do have an issue with people just shooting down people that use it. If you're going to do that I can have a go at you using your phone.