If you’ve ever found yourself being polite to an AI chatbot like ChatGPT, you’re not alone. In a survey conducted by Ethan Mollick, an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, nearly half of the respondents admitted to using polite language with AI, while only a small percentage preferred giving orders. This behavior is also reflected in comments from developers on the OpenAI forum, with one user mentioning that they use words like “please” and “thanks” with ChatGPT as they would with a real person.
The idea of being courteous to a machine may seem strange at first, especially since interacting with automated systems in the past did not require such niceties. However, the advancement of AI chatbots like ChatGPT has changed the game. These chatbots are designed to communicate in a more natural and human-like way, blurring the lines between man and machine. With Apple’s recent partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT with Siri, the use of conversational AI is becoming more common in our daily lives.
But why should we be polite to AI? A study by researchers at Waseda University and the RIKEN Center found that using polite prompts can actually improve the quality of responses from language models powering AI chatbots. However, excessive flattery can have the opposite effect, leading to a decline in performance. The key is to strike a balance with “moderate politeness” in interactions with AI, similar to how we engage with others in social settings.
The tone and language used in prompts can influence how AI chatbots respond. Polite prompts may guide the system to retrieve information from credible sources, while disrespectful language could lead to less reliable responses. By being polite, we not only improve the technical performance of AI but also maintain a level of respect and civility in our interactions.
Moreover, our interactions with AI can shape our behavior towards others. Clinical psychologist Sherry Turkle emphasizes that being polite to AI is a sign of self-respect, as it can prevent us from developing disrespectful habits that may carry over into human relationships. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, it’s crucial to preserve human communication norms and treat AI with civility.
As we navigate this evolving landscape of human-computer interaction, it’s essential to consider the impact of our behavior on AI and vice versa. By showing kindness and respect to AI chatbots, we not only enhance their performance but also uphold our own values of decency and empathy. In a world where technology continues to advance rapidly, maintaining a sense of humanity in our interactions with AI is more important than ever.
