ChatGPT Etiquette: Why Using “Please” and “Thank You” Costs Millions — Yet Might Be Beneficial
As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our everyday routines, the manner in which we engage with AI models such as ChatGPT is advancing. A captivating facet of this interaction is the human proclivity for polite expressions—employing “please” and “thank you”—when conversing with AI. While this behavior may appear to be a benign or endearing trait, it actually incurs a surprising financial cost.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, notes that the mere inclusion of courteous phrases in prompts directed to ChatGPT is costing the company tens of millions of dollars in energy expenditures. Altman also referred to it as “money well spent,” prompting crucial inquiries into the relationship between technology, human manners, and energy use.
The Hidden Expense of Politeness
Each time a user submits a prompt to ChatGPT, the AI model evaluates the input using robust cloud computing resources. This mechanism, termed inference, necessitates substantial computational capacity—particularly for expansive language models like GPT-4. The longer and more intricate the input, the greater the energy consumed during the processing phase.
When users incorporate terms like “please,” “thank you,” or emotional interjections such as “ugh” or “wow,” they are effectively elongating the input. Although these words may appear insignificant, they still compel the model to decipher and process them, adding to the overall computational burden. When scaled across millions of users globally, the associated energy costs escalate rapidly.
In reaction to a user on X (formerly Twitter) who queried how much OpenAI has forfeited due to users’ politeness towards ChatGPT, Altman responded: “Tens of millions of dollars well spent — you never know.” His reply, albeit playful, highlights a more profound observation regarding the significance of human politeness in the AI era.
Why Do Individuals Employ Polite Language with AI?
A survey conducted in 2024 indicated that 67% of Americans reported being courteous to AI chatbots, with 55% asserting it was simply the appropriate action. Notably, 12% confessed they were being friendly “just in case” AI were to dominate the world—hinting at the escalating cultural narrative surrounding AI consciousness and authority.
However, beyond the realm of science fiction, tangible psychological and societal drivers exist for why individuals utilize polite language with machines:
– Humanizing AI: As AI systems grow increasingly conversational and lifelike, users instinctively imbue them with human characteristics.
– Habitual Etiquette: Politeness is deeply woven into human communication and often employed reflexively.
– Emotional Reassurance: Incorporating “please” and “thank you” can create a sense of familiarity and lessen the transactional nature of interactions.
Does Politeness Enhance AI Responses?
Though AI models like ChatGPT lack emotions, certain experts contend that polite language can affect the tone and quality of output. Microsoft design manager Kurtis Beavers has posited that utilizing respectful language establishes a favorable tone, potentially yielding more insightful or deft replies.
While no conclusive scientific agreement exists on this matter, anecdotal indications suggest that polite requests can enhance user satisfaction. For example, a prompt such as “Could you please summarize this article for me?” may produce a more thorough reply compared to a straightforward demand like “Summarize this.”
The Ecological Repercussions of AI Utilization
The energy expenditure associated with AI is an escalating concern. Training substantial models like GPT-4 already demands extensive computational capabilities, and inference—the procedure of generating responses—further amplifies the ecological impact. Although the courtesy of saying “please” and “thank you” may seem insignificant, the collective effect across billions of interactions holds considerable weight.
This has sparked conversations about AI’s sustainability and how users can adopt more energy-conscious habits. Some recommendations include:
– Utilizing shorter, more direct prompts.
– Steering clear of unnecessary inquiries or redundant tasks.
– Supporting organizations committed to green data centers and sustainable energy.
Yet, many assert that the importance of upholding human etiquette—even in digital realms—surpasses the minimal energy costs involved.
A Cultural Milestone
The mere fact that we are addressing AI etiquette signifies the advancement of technology. We have progressed beyond merely operating machines; we are engaging in dialogue with them. This transformation symbolizes a significant cultural benchmark in human-computer interaction.
Politeness is a fundamental aspect of human identity. It embodies our values, upbringing, and our aspiration to connect with respect—even towards machines. As AI continues to develop, safeguarding these human attributes might outweigh the necessity to optimize every kilowatt-hour.
Conclusion: Is It Justifiable?
Thus, is expressing “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT worth the millions in electrical expenses? According to Sam Altman—and numerous users—yes. These minor acts of courtesy transcend mere manners; they represent our commitment to preserving our humanity in an increasingly digitized landscape.
If you are worried about your AI-related carbon footprint, consider offsetting it via environmental initiatives or backing sustainable technology practices. However, don’t
