The Impact of Politeness on AI Interactions
Understanding the Economic Implications
The ongoing discourse surrounding the use of polite language when interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) has gained renewed attention, particularly after comments made by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. In response to a query about the financial implications of users frequently using “please” and “thank you” with AI models, Altman remarked, “Tens of millions of dollars well spent — you never know.”
Each interaction with AI requires computational resources, which raises valid concerns about energy consumption and costs. According to experts, every additional word in a chatbot prompt can lead to higher operational costs, as it demands more server resources.
The Cultural and Ethical Considerations
Neil Johnson, a physicist from George Washington University, compares the extra words in AI requests to excess packaging in retail—both require additional energy to process. He highlights the broader implications of the AI industry’s dependence on fossil fuels, suggesting a minimal rationale for insisting on politeness from a cost or environmental perspective.
However, the cultural significance of politeness in AI interactions should not be overlooked. Historical narratives, such as the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” episode “The Measure of a Man,” have addressed the moral considerations surrounding AI and the rights of sentient beings.
Public Behavior Towards AI
Research from Pew found that 54% of smart speaker users report addressing their devices with polite phrases, indicating a pervasive social norm. This behavior raises questions regarding how these interactions shape our treatment of actual individuals.
Experts like Dr. Jaime Banks from Syracuse University suggest that developing norms for AI communication may influence overall human behavior, potentially creating a society that values politeness more broadly.
Politeness and Future Relationships with AI
In discussing the nature of AI interactions, Dr. Sherry Turkle from MIT notes that while AI does not possess feelings or consciousness, the precedents set by way humans engage with such technologies could affect child development and interpersonal relationships.
Similarly, playwright Madeleine George believes that using polite language with AI may foster more human-like responses from these systems. She warns, however, about the dangers of becoming overly reliant on AI, suggesting that kindness might cultivate behaviors that lead to deeper connections with machines.
Conclusion: The Future of AI Interactions
As AI technology continues to evolve, the dynamics of human interaction with these systems merits careful consideration. While usage of polite language may not directly influence AI’s functionality, the way we communicate with these technologies may reflect and shape our interpersonal behaviors in the broader societal context.
In light of this, extending courtesy—even to artificial entities—might cultivate a kinder, more respectful human experience both online and offline.
