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Politeness in AI: A Costly Courtesy
Recent statements by OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, have shed light on the surprising financial implications of politeness in AI interactions. According to Altman, the simple act of saying “please” and “thank you” while using models like ChatGPT is contributing significantly to the company’s energy bills, amounting to “tens of millions” of dollars.
This revelation offers a deeper understanding of the hidden resource consumption involved in AI technology, challenging our perceptions of virtual interactions as disconnected from real-world resource use. While our digital experiences often feel insular, the reality is that the servers powering these advanced models require substantial amounts of energy—and efficient cooling systems to counteract the heat they generate.
“Tens of millions of dollars well spent—you never know,”
— Sam Altman April 16, 2025
The Energy Footprint of AI Conversations
A closer examination reveals just how much energy and resources are expended during these polite exchanges. Research compiled by The Washington Post indicates that generating a simple, 100-word email with GPT-4 consumes approximately half a liter of water. This is attributed to the extensive cooling systems necessary to maintain optimal operating temperatures within data centers.
As millions of users engage with AI daily, the cumulative demand for both energy and water grows dramatically. The energy costs aren’t limited to user interactions; there’s also an enormous amount needed for training the AI models themselves.
The Impact of AI Politeness
This discussion also touches on broader industry trends. A few years ago, Google introduced a “Pretty Please” feature for its Assistant, encouraging polite language among users—particularly children. The intention was to instill positive communication habits that could extend beyond digital interactions. However, the insights shared by OpenAI complicate this initiative, revealing that the politeness encouraged by Google carries tangible costs.
This raises critical questions about the balance between fostering respectful communication and the environmental implications of such politeness. Should we prioritize efficiency in our interactions by opting for more direct language, or is the reinforcement of good manners worthwhile, regardless of the costs incurred?
A New Perspective on AI Sustainability
Ultimately, this discourse invites us to rethink our relationship with AI and the sustainability of its operations. As we navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, the implications of our interactions—whether polite or otherwise—are significant. Striking a balance between social niceties and resource conservation will be essential as we continue to integrate these advanced tools into our daily lives.
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