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OpenAI Chief Executive Responds to Query on Cost of Politeness Towards AI Models
A user’s inquiry on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, about the electrical expenses associated with users employing polite language, such as “please” and “thank you,” when interacting with artificial intelligence models prompted a response from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Altman indicated that while such courteous phrasing does incur costs, totaling “tens of millions of dollars,” he considers it “well spent — you never know,” suggesting an unexpected benefit to user politeness towards AI.
Speculation Arises Regarding the Utility of Polite AI Interactions
While Altman’s remark appeared somewhat facetious, his reply has fueled discussion, notably prompting tech publication Futurism to consider whether extending politeness to conversational AI, like ChatGPT and other generative AI chatbots, is actually a needless expenditure of both user time and computational energy.
Expert Insight on the Impact of Polite Language on AI Responses
Contrary to the notion that polite interactions with AI are merely superfluous anthropomorphism or driven by apprehension of future AI dominance, Kurt Beavers, a director within Microsoft Copilot’s design division, suggests a functional benefit. Beavers stated that employing deferential language “sets a tone for the response” from the AI. He elaborated, noting that when an AI system “registers politeness, it is more inclined to reciprocate with a polite response.”
The Role of Profanity in AI Communication
However, Beavers also implied that less formal, or even profane, language can also serve a purpose in interactions with AI, suggesting a nuanced relationship between user input and AI output beyond simple politeness.