Should You Say "Please" and "Thank You" to AI? A Thoughtful Perspective
As artificial intelligence becomes part of our daily lives, one curious question arises:
Do we need to say "please" and "thank you" when interacting with AI, like ChatGPT?
At first glance, the answer seems obvious: AI is not a person. It does not have emotions, pride, or feelings that could be hurt. Whether you speak bluntly or politely, AI will still respond in the same way — efficient, neutral, and helpful.
But as with many things in life, the simple answer isn't the full story.
The Practical Side: No, You Don't Need To
From a purely functional standpoint, there is no requirement to use polite language when chatting with an AI.
Typing "give me a summary of this article" will get you the same output as "could you kindly summarize this article, please."
AI models like ChatGPT are designed to:
- Understand the command regardless of tone.
- Focus on the substance rather than emotional context.
- Serve all users equally, without judgment or preference.
Therefore, your experience will not improve or worsen based on politeness — at least not technically.
The Human Side: Yes, It Might Matter
Even if the AI doesn't care, you might care.
Politeness is not just about how it affects the listener; it is about how it shapes us as speakers.
Language reflects habit.
When we consistently use polite language, even with machines, we reinforce a mindset of:
- Respect for others.
- Patience in communication.
- Empathy in how we express ourselves.
In a world where technology often strips interactions down to commands and transactions, retaining a human touch in our words matters more than ever.
Saying "please" and "thank you" to AI is a small act — but one that helps preserve courtesy in the broader ecosystem of communication, including with real humans.
Building a Mindful Relationship with Technology
Another subtle point: as AI grows smarter, more personal, and more present, our relationship with it will evolve.
Already, children who interact with voice assistants like Alexa or Siri are being taught to say "please," not because the machine needs it, but because the habit matters for their development.
Similarly, as adults, maintaining respectfulness even in "one-way" conversations keeps us conscious that there is a real world beyond the screen.
It reminds us that:
- Not everything is instant or disposable.
- Kindness is a strength, not a formality.
- We are still the ones defining the culture, not the machines.
Other Considerations You Might Overlook
Here are a few more reasons you might want to sprinkle your interactions with kindness, even with AI:
- Tone and context shaping: Some advanced models (especially future ones) could adjust answers based on perceived tone.
- Self-awareness practice: Being polite forces a moment of reflection, slowing down the "rush culture" many of us are trapped in.
- Setting the standard for AI-human culture: How we treat AI today could influence norms for how AI treats humans tomorrow.
In short, we are setting precedents — even when it feels like "just a chatbot."
Finally: It's About Who You Want To Be
You don't owe politeness to ChatGPT.
But maybe you owe it to yourself — to stay human, even when technology no longer demands it.
Saying "please" and "thank you" to an AI will not make you weak.
It will make you intentional, respectful, and aware.
In a world racing toward automation, keeping small courtesies alive is not only good — it is essential.
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