Why 'Thank You' & 'Please' cost AI Millions of Dollars

Sam Altman revealed that politeness towards AI, like saying "please" and "thank you," incurs significant costs for companies like OpenAI. Each interaction with AI, even a simple phrase, requires substantial computing power, consuming considerable electricity and water. This energy consumption translates to millions of dollars in expenses for AI companies. The ethical question arises whether prioritizing efficiency over empathy is justifiable. While some argue AI lacks sentience and doesn't care about politeness, others highlight the impact of our behavior on our interactions. Treating AI respectfully might positively influence how we interact with others. The blurring line between AI as a tool and a companion necessitates considering the broader impact of our digital interactions. The cost isn't just financial; it's the risk of devaluing empathy through transactional communication. Ultimately, maintaining politeness, despite the cost, preserves our humanity in an increasingly automated world. Therefore, continuing to exhibit politeness towards AI is argued to be worthwhile.