Does it matter? How much power does it take to run duolingo? How much power did it take to manufacture 300000 Teslas? Everything takes power

I think it does matter how much power it takes but, in the context of power to "benefits humanity" ratio. Things that significantly reduce human suffering or improve human life are probably worth exerting energy on.

However, if we frame the question this way, I would imagine there are many more low-hanging fruit before we question the utility of LLMs. For example, should some humans be dumping 5-10 kWh/day into things like hot tubs or pools? That's just the most absurd one I was able to come up with off the top of my head. I'm sure we could find many others.

It's a tough thought experiment to continue though. Ultimately, one could argue we shouldn't be spending any more energy than what is absolutely necessary to live. (food, minimal shelter, water, etc) Personally, I would not find that enjoyable way to live.

The biggest issue is that the US simply Does Not Have Enough Power, we are flying blind into a serious energy crisis because the current administration has an obsession with "clean coal"