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The Cost of Politeness in AI Interaction

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman estimates millions are spent on polite AI responses.

May 6, 2025 at 08:00 AM

Please and Thank You: What Does It Cost to Be Polite to ChatGPT?

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlights the tens of millions spent on politeness in AI responses.

The High Cost of Politeness in AI Interaction

OpenAI's ChatGPT proves that politeness matters, as saying "please" and "thank you" impacts the AI's processing costs significantly. Altman claims that these simple words cost "tens of millions of dollars" as they require more energy and resources than one might expect. Research shows politeness improves AI response quality, while rudeness can lead to a 30 percent drop in performance. However, this raises concerns about the environmental impact of AI, as large language models contribute to increased CO2 emissions and demand significant resources. The future of AI interactions may hinge on balancing social etiquette with environmental sustainability.

Key Takeaways

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Politeness in AI interaction improves response quality.

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Saying 'please' and 'thank you' increases processing costs significantly.

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AI development raises environmental concerns due to high energy consumption.

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Younger generations are more open to integrating AI into their work.

"Using polite language sets a tone for the response."

Kurtis Beavers of Microsoft highlights how politeness influences AI interactions.

"Tens of millions of dollars well spent"

Sam Altman's comment on the costs associated with politeness reflects the unexpected resource demands of AI.

"AI poses an extinction threat to humanity."

Andrea Miotti warns about the environmental and existential risks of AI development.

"The opportunity lies in framing AI as a collaborative tool."

Mantas Lukauskas discusses the need to view AI positively in the workplace.

The discussion around the cost of politeness in AI touches on deeper issues of environmental responsibility and practicality. While enhancing AI with better responses through polite language seems beneficial, the energy and resource demands raise questions about sustainability. Companies embracing AI must consider how to combine efficiency with ecological impact. As usage increases, finding a path forward that respects both user interaction and environmental concerns could become a key challenge for the tech sector.