“The real question is, can we make AI behave ethically before we let it behave intelligently?” - Nick Bostrom, AI philosopher
Will AI make us less polite eventually
Habits die hard but can fade over time if not practised. As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life, many are beginning to treat chatbots as mere tools rather than conversational partners. Many thinkers ask a question now: if we stop saying “please” and “thank you” to machines, could we also lose the habit of politeness with other humans too?
The habit of courtesy in a digital age
Politeness and empathy are habits, not instincts. When people interact with AI rudely, they risk normalizing brusque communication. Some practitioners advise removing “please” from AI prompts, seeing it as a waste of energy. But courtesy, once unpracticed, can fade and technology might quietly reshape our social behavior.
Efficiency versus empathy
In pursuit of efficiency, users often issue curt, commanding prompts like “Do better” or “Fix this.” While such phrasing might yield quick results, it mirrors the tone of a coach barking orders rather than a collaborator seeking help. If that tone becomes standard, the human side of conversation could suffer. Everyday politeness creates a social glue. Real intelligence isn’t just about processing information but about coexisting respectfully. Machines may never need kindness, but humans do.
The way forward
As AI continues to evolve, we must teach users, and perhaps even chatbots, to value civility. Let’s ensure that progress in artificial intelligence doesn’t mean regression in human decency.
Summary
AI is reshaping how we communicate. As we adapt to giving quick, command-like prompts, we risk eroding the everyday manners that sustain human connection. Treating AI interactions politely helps preserve empathy and civility in society.
Food for thought
If we stop practicing politeness with machines, will we eventually stop practicing it with people?
AI concept to learn: Conversational AI
Conversational AI refers to systems that simulate natural dialogue between humans and machines. It powers chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice interfaces, enabling users to interact through speech or text. Learning how it processes language helps us design more human-centered, courteous AI systems.
[The Billion Hopes Research Team shares the latest AI updates for learning and awareness. Various sources are used. All copyrights acknowledged. This is not a professional, financial, personal or medical advice. Please consult domain experts before making decisions. Feedback welcome!]
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