Sam Altman has stated that using expressions like "please" and "thank you" has led to electricity costs amounting to "tens of millions of dollars" for OpenAI. This statement has sparked an interesting debate about whether using polite language is truly a waste of time and energy.
Kurt Beavers, a director on the Microsoft Copilot design team, emphasized that using polite language helps shape the tone of AI responses, making it more likely for the AI to respond politely in return. This suggests that AI models tend to lean towards more respectful and positive communication.
At the same time, some experts point out that, in certain cases, using harsh language can help the AI provide more accurate responses.
In conclusion, while polite communication may consume more energy, it has positive effects. It fosters mutual respect and can lead to more productive and positive outcomes in both human-AI and human-human interactions.
