The energy usage and slow down of your computer are relatively minor concerns when it comes to ads. The real problem is that ads use every dark pattern in the book to influence your beliefs and decisions, effectively taking over your very valuable brain cycles.
I think as this conversation evolves, we will find that there is an additional human right, the right for others to not use undue force to influence your mind. This whole battle is ultimately one to secure this right.
Energy usage may be not that high, but data usage, especially on mobile devices, is very high.
Even on my home network something insane like 30% of packets sent and received are ad or tracking related, which I know because they all get blocked by the PiHole sitting next to the router.
Choosing to block ads literally makes my browsing go faster, and keeps my data limits from being blown out. AND it prevents fingerprinting of my habits? It's a complete no-brainer.
Huh? Why would I give an hour of battery life away for no benefit?
Battery life is a huge concern. Also page load speed. I am having a hard time processing your comment: I should slow down my computer and decrease the battery life because why? Other people can’t be arsed to care if their ads screw up my experience?
I think as this conversation evolves, we will find that there is an additional human right, the right for others to not use undue force to influence your mind. This whole battle is ultimately one to secure this right.