The True Cost of AI Etiquette
In a recent revelation, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted that people’s habit of saying “please” and “thank you” to AI chatbots is costing the company tens of millions of dollars. This disclosure came after a user on X (formerly Twitter) wondered about the electricity costs incurred due to polite interactions with AI models. Altman described this expenditure as “well spent,” suggesting that the benefits of such interactions outweigh the costs.
The practice of treating AI chatbots with respect is not merely a matter of courtesy; some AI architects argue it influences the quality of the outputs. Microsoft’s design manager, Kurtis Beavers, notes that using polite language “helps generate respectful, collaborative outputs” and sets a tone for the response. This perspective is supported by a Microsoft WorkLab memo, which states that when users are polite, the AI is more likely to respond politely, mirroring the levels of professionalism, clarity, and detail in the prompts provided.
A survey conducted in late 2024 found that 67% of US respondents reported being courteous to chatbots. Among those who practiced courtesy, 55% did so because they believed it was the right thing to do, while 12% hoped to appease the algorithm in the event of a potential AI uprising. While the likelihood of such an uprising is debated among AI researchers, the environmental impact of current AI practices is a pressing concern.
Research conducted by The Washington Post and the University of California revealed that generating a 100-word email using AI consumes 0.14 kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power 14 LED lights for an hour. Extrapolating this, sending one AI-generated email per week over a year would use approximately 7.5kWh of electricity, equivalent to the hourly consumption of 9 households in Washington DC.
The environmental footprint of AI is substantial, with data centers powering chatbots already accounting for about 2% of global energy consumption. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, this figure is expected to rise significantly. Therefore, the next time you’re tempted to thank a chatbot like Grok, consider the environmental cost and perhaps opt to write your email yourself instead. Your actions could make a difference, and the earth — and your brain — will thank you.
The Bigger Picture: AI and Environmental Impact
The discussion around AI etiquette highlights a broader issue: the environmental consequences of our interactions with AI. As we move forward, it’s crucial to consider the impact of our digital actions on the planet. By being mindful of how we use AI and making conscious choices, we can mitigate some of the negative effects and work towards a more sustainable future.
