Digital assistants have become commonplace for handling a variety of tasks, from basic queries to providing companionship. Users often engage these AI models using human-like conversation styles, striving for a more natural and respectful interaction. However, questions have arisen about the costs associated with using polite language, particularly in relation to the resources consumed by AI systems like those developed by OpenAI.
AI Interaction: The Cost of Politeness According to OpenAI’s Sam Altman
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, recently addressed an interesting inquiry from a user on X regarding the use of polite expressions, such as “please” and “thank you,” when interacting with ChatGPT. The user questioned whether these courteous phrases might incur additional costs. Altman responded with a playful remark, noting the potential financial implications: “Tens of millions of dollars well spent — you never know.”
This lighthearted comment from Altman sparked a broader discussion in tech forums about the ramifications of using polite language with AI tools like ChatGPT. While these tools do not perceive emotions, the design philosophy behind AI interactions suggests that polite language can enhance the quality of responses. Kurt Beavers, the design director of Microsoft Copilot, posits that courteous phrases can influence the tone and meaningfulness of the interaction.
While employing courteous language can lead to increased token counts—resulting in higher energy consumption—the intention behind such interactions may justify the additional cost. The overall impact of these extra words, when multiplied across millions of user interactions, could be significant. Thus, while the use of polite expressions may seem trivial, it could foster a more engaging and user-friendly experience.
In conclusion, while extra tokens and energy may be associated with polite conversation, the potential benefits of creating a respectful dialogue could outweigh the drawbacks, making the practice worthwhile in the context of user experience.