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The Price of Politeness: Is AI Etiquette Worth It?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has recently sparked a lively discussion surrounding the etiquette of interacting with AI. He revealed that even the simplest courtesies—like saying "please" and "thank you"—could be costing millions in extra computing resources. While this revelation may seem surprising, it leads us to ponder: is it truly worth it?
Understanding the Energy Impact of AI Interactions
According to Altman, every word we send to AI systems like ChatGPT requires processing power, and these seemingly small interactions can accumulate significant electricity costs across billions of conversations globally. For perspective, generating just a 100-word email using AI consumes about 0.14 kilowatt-hours of electricity—enough to power 14 LED lights for an hour. The environmental footprint doesn't end there; running the servers also requires water for cooling. In fact, a mere three-word response from AI might use about 1.5 ounces of water.
Why Be Polite? The Human Element
Interestingly, many users report a desire to engage politely with AI. A survey discovered that around 67% of people in the U.S. practice AI etiquette, often because they feel it is the right thing to do. This suggests that our interactions with AIs reflect our expectations of respect and civility, emphasizing that politeness may enhance the quality of responses we receive.
Balancing Cost and Benefits
While the costs associated with AI politeness are concerning, the potential benefits—such as improved response quality and fostering respectful human behavior—signal an intriguing trade-off. Maintaining courtesy in our digital interactions might not only yield better results from AI but could also shape our social norms positively.
The Future of AI Interactions
As the development of AI continues to grow, how we communicate with these systems could have long-lasting implications. Striking a balance between cost and kindness could define the humanity of our interactions, paving the way for AIs that feel more like partners rather than mere tools.
Ultimately, the discussion on AI etiquette isn't just about electricity and water; it's about respecting the technology and encouraging a culture that values civility. It's a nuanced subject, and as we move forward into a future woven with AI interactions, finding the right equilibrium will be essential.
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