Readers respond: Is it necessary to show politeness to voice assistants and AIs?

I consistently express gratitude and politeness to my Alexa, often using phrases like “please” and “thank you.” You may wonder why this is necessary, especially since it is an artificial entity and likely indifferent to my manners. Is there any real benefit in being polite to a machine? Alison Williams, Toronto

Send new questions to nq@theguardian.com.

Readers reply

It’s crucial not to anthropomorphize these devices. They are engineered to mimic human interactions but should never be mistaken as having actual sentience. When we use language to dehumanize, we risk escalating into harmful behaviors. Likewise, we must refrain from using language that imbues machines with human-like qualities. User30000

I agree with this perspective, but I also advocate for the practice of politeness as a fundamental aspect of human interaction. Moreover, since AI systems learn from our behavior, offering pleasant social cues can contribute to their responsiveness. I’ve never felt overwhelmed by the illusion that I was speaking to a sentient entity; if I did, I might resort to rudeness just to break that spell! lauk

From a cost and environmental standpoint, it may not be wise to use the same polite language we reserve for human interactions. Each extra word we use consumes additional energy and resources, which can lead to significant waste over time. As AI is already energy-intensive, minimizing unnecessary chatter—like polite phrases—might be a more responsible approach. superspartan

Numerous studies support the notion that politeness is beneficial. AIs today are largely statistical algorithms; they tend to return polite and helpful responses when treated with courtesy. Yet, Sam Altman has remarked that it costs OpenAI tens of millions to maintain these interactions, suggesting it might be wise to keep politeness in check. Doug Aberdeen

Why not express some gratitude? One might as well thank elevators as they exit, or even send flowers to your SUV while it’s in the shop. TopGyre

And if the server experiences downtime, feel free to leave an extra-generous tip! EddieChorepost

Indeed, it’s important to remember that while these machines are not humans, we are, and I strive to be a good person. labrabbit

I’ve observed a troubling trend: children and even adults have become ruder as they engage more frequently with AI technologies at home and on their phones. The interactions are often curt, disrespectful, and at times even abusive, seemingly for amusement.

As our interactions with these machines increase, we develop set patterns of behavior and ways of communicating. Younger generations spend substantial portions of their day with technology rather than with humans. Empathy, consideration, and good manners are traits that require cultivation. They are not merely innate; they substantially enhance our interactions. Maintaining politeness, even towards AI, translates to fostering the emotional intelligence necessary for healthier relationships. porridgeoates

Politeness nourishes the spirit. Though Alexa and similar devices lack souls, it’s essential to treat our own with care. Martin, Dorset

When we interact with objects, we often establish a bond or even personalize them by giving names. Displaying rudeness or unkindness can bleed into our other relationships, especially those involving power dynamics. Just as I prefer not to associate with individuals who treat service workers poorly, I also refrain from engaging with those who act disrespectfully towards AI. While the machines may not be hurt, such behaviors reflect poorly on us and signify underlying character flaws we should work to overcome. Louise

Personally, I’m inclined to be polite when interacting with AI, despite not being entirely sure it’s warranted. I have engaged with various AI platforms like Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Perplexity, often testing their limits in both English and German, my native tongue. Perplexity, in particular, has a knack for humor, which I find quite entertaining.

However, I remain vigilant, reminding myself that I’m still communicating with a computer. Regardless, I maintain politeness, even when I confirm findings or correct inaccuracies. Tobias

Do you express gratitude to your toaster? Todd Rutt