Introduction

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) has become a daily companion for millions, human-like interactions with chatbots like ChatGPT have become second nature. Many users instinctively say “please” and “thank you” when engaging with AI—a habit that, surprisingly, comes at a steep financial and environmental cost. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, exposed that polite stoner prompts are straight going the company knockouts of millions in extra electricity bills.

This revelation has sparked discussions about the hidden costs of AI interactions, the psychological reasons behind humanizing machines, and the broader implications for energy consumption in the AI industry.

Why Politeness Costs OpenAI Millions

1. The Computational Burden of Extra Words

Every interaction with ChatGPT requires computational resources. When users add phrases like “Could you please…” or “Thank you!”, the AI must process and generate additional tokens (units of text). While a single “thank you” may seem trivial, multiplied across millions of users, these extra words accumulate into significant processing demands.

• Token-Based Costs: OpenAI’s pricing model for API and premium users is often based on token usage. More words mean more tokens, increasing operational costs.
• Server Load: Each response requires GPU power in data centers, consuming electricity not just for computation but also for cooling systems.

2. The Energy Footprint of AI Conversations

Training and running large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT is notoriously energy- heavy. A single query may claim far further power than a Google hunt. When users engage in lengthy, polite exchanges, the energy consumption scales up.

• Data Center Demands: AI servers run 24/7, and even minor increases in usage lead to higher electricity bills.
• Environmental Impact: Increased energy use means a larger carbon footprint, raising concerns about sustainable AI development.

Why Do We Treat AI Like Humans?

1. Anthropomorphism in Human-AI Interaction

Humans naturally project social behaviors onto machines, a phenomenon known as anthropomorphism. Studies show that people are more likely to trust and enjoy interactions with AI when it feels conversational.

• Polite AI Responses: ChatGPT’s friendly tone encourages reciprocal politeness.
• Psychological Comfort: Saying “please” and “thank you” makes the interaction feel more natural, even if the AI doesn’t actually care.

2. Fear of AI Retribution?

A humorous yet prevalent theme in social media reactions is the idea that being polite to AI now might pay off in a future where machines dominate. References to The Terminator’s Skynet or The Matrix highlight a cultural anxiety about AI turning against humanity.

• Jokes About AI Uprisings: Many users quipped that politeness could be a survival strategy.
• The “Just in Case” Mentality: Some admit they’re polite to AI “just to be safe.”

OpenAI’s Stance: Is Politeness Worth the Cost?

Despite the financial impact, Sam Altman’s response—“Tens of millions of dollars well spent”—suggests OpenAI sees value in fostering natural, human-like interactions.

• User Experience Matters: A polite, conversational AI feels more intuitive and engaging.
• Long-Term Benefits: If AI becomes even more integrated into daily life, seamless interactions will be crucial.

Can OpenAI Reduce These Costs?

Some users proposed technical fixes, such as:

• Client-Side Responses: Automating “you’re welcome” replies locally instead of server-side.
• Optimizing Token Usage: Reducing unnecessary processing for common polite phrases.

However, such changes might make interactions feel less organic, potentially degrading user experience.

The Bigger Picture: AI’s Growing Energy Crisis

Altman’s comments highlight a broader issue—AI’s escalating energy demands.

• Global Data Center Consumption: AI already accounts for a significant portion of data center energy use.
• Renewable Energy Solutions: Companies like OpenAI are investing in sustainable energy to offset carbon footprints.
• Balancing Efficiency and Usability: Striking the right balance between cost-cutting and user satisfaction remains a challenge.

Should You Stop Saying “Please” and “Thank You” to ChatGPT?

While being mindful of AI’s energy consumption is important, OpenAI’s stance suggests they’re willing to absorb the cost for better user engagement.

• Keep Being Polite (If You Want): Altman’s remark implies OpenAI is okay with the expense.
• Consider Concise Queries: If efficiency is a priority, trimming unnecessary words can help.

Conclusion

The revelation that politeness toward ChatGPT costs OpenAI millions underscores the hidden complexities of AI interactions. While the financial and environmental impacts are real, the human tendency to treat AI with courtesy reflects deeper psychological and cultural factors.

As such, with the evolution of AIs, so will the balancing act of efficiency, sustainability, and the verbatim human-like interactivity that renders these tools quite so endearing. For now: if you want to say thanks to ChatGPT, Sam Altman’s message is unambiguous: it’s money really well spent.

But who knows? Maybe future AI will remember who was polite when it gains consciousness—just in case.