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Why Politeness Costs More Than You Think
In an age where AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming integral to our daily tasks, the *cost of politeness* might surprise you. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, revealed that the company's electricity expenses have skyrocketed due to users saying 'please' and 'thank you' to the chatbot. While it might seem trivial, the energy spent on these polite interactions has reached tens of millions of dollars, raising eyebrows among both users and industry observers.
Your Politeness Matters: How AI Responds
A recent survey indicates that a staggering 67% of U.S. AI users express politeness towards chatbots. Interestingly, over 18% of these users reportedly feel that saying 'please' and 'thank you' might protect them in case AI turns against us in the future. This insight intertwines with broader societal questions about interactions with advanced technologies. Microsoft design director Kurtis Beavers suggests that using polite language could improve the tone of AI responses, hinting at a possible psychological benefit to humanizing AI interactions.
Environmental Impact: The Hidden Costs
However, an innocent 'thank you' comes at a heavy cost. According to a May 2024 report from The Electric Power Research Institute, interacting with ChatGPT is ten times more energy-consuming than a standard Google search. This statistic not only highlights the operational expenses but also opens discussions about the ecological impact of AI systems. In fact, ChatGPT consumes an average of 1.059 billion kilowatt-hours per year, leading to approximate yearly electrical costs of around $139.7 million.
How Many Resources are Used?
Additionally, the environmental toll extends beyond energy consumption. Research suggests that to generate a simple 100-word email, ChatGPT requires approximately 1,408 milliliters of water. Such figures call into question the sustainability of our reliance on AI, especially as businesses increasingly integrate these technologies.
As entrepreneurs and small business owners who utilize AI tools for efficiency, it’s crucial to consider whether the benefits of politeness outweigh the hefty resource costs. Balancing efficacy with ethical considerations will define the future of our interactions with AI.
As we integrate AI in our work, we need to be conscious of our interactions with it. Reflecting on these hidden costs can lead to smarter decisions in how we utilize these powerful tools.
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