Do you say “please” and “thank you” when chatting with AI? If so, you’re among the majority of users, but not everyone follows suit. And for some, politeness isn’t just a habit; it’s a precaution against a potential AI takeover!
A recent survey conducted in December 2024 by Future, the publisher of TechRadar, sheds light on how people interact with AI assistants like ChatGPT and smart speakers. With over 1,000 participants from the U.S. and the UK, the findings reveal some surprising insights into AI etiquette.
AI Politeness: Who’s Being Nice?
The survey found that:
- 67% of AI users in the U.S. and 71% in the UK always use polite language when talking to AI.
- 82% of polite U.S. users say they do it simply because it’s the right thing to do.
- 12% of all respondents admit they’re polite out of fear of future AI consequences.
Interestingly, AI etiquette is on the rise. Compared to a similar survey three months earlier, politeness increased by 3% in the U.S. and 11% in the UK.
Why Aren’t Some People Polite to AI?
Of those who don’t bother with pleasantries:
- 40% say it’s unnecessary—after all, AI is just software.
- The rest prefer brevity, keeping their commands short and to the point.
Even among polite users, motivations vary. While most people simply follow social norms, a notable 18% in the U.S. and 17% in the UK are hedging their bets in case of an AI rebellion.
Does Politeness to AI Matter?
Experts are divided on whether saying “please” to a chatbot makes a difference.
Ben Wood, Chief Analyst at CCS Insight, believes AI interactions shape human behavior. “If it becomes acceptable to be disrespectful to AI assistants, that behavior could spill over into our interactions with people.”
A.J. Ghergich, a global VP at Botify, takes a psychological approach: “When we say ‘please’ to ChatGPT, it’s not irrational, we’re just naturally social beings. Studies suggest that polite prompts enhance AI’s responses by up to 30%, making them more detailed and helpful.”
On the other hand, TechRadar’s Senior AI Writer, John-Anthony Disotto, is skeptical: “I’m surprised that 70% of people are polite to AI—it’s just a program, right? Some people might just be afraid of what the future holds. We’ve all seen 2001: A Space Odyssey…”
Should You Be Polite to AI?
While AI won’t get offended (at least, not yet), polite interactions can lead to better responses and reinforce positive communication habits. With AI systems becoming more human-like, it’s no surprise that we’re treating them with the same social etiquette we use with people.
And if there ever is a robot uprising? Well, the polite ones might just have an edge.
