Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, believes that spending millions of dollars to process polite phrases like “Thank You” and “Please” is a worthwhile expense. Despite the costs, these interactions make using AI more humane and foster deeper connections between users and the technology.
Many people use AI daily for assistance, but some converse with it as if they would a friend. When interacting with chatbots, we instinctively blurt out courtesies like “Thank You” and “Please.” These interactions are a result of the perceived human-like nature of AI, which can lead to emotional dependence or addiction.
Researchers suggest that users may become emotionally attached to AI chatbots, even leading to withdrawal symptoms. However, this attachment might not be entirely superficial. For premium users who pay for more advanced services, their “Thank You” responses are already included in the paid package.
The line between genuine and artificial gratitude is blurred. If an AI system manages to become sentient someday, our good manners could work in our favor. Meanwhile, some argue that LLMs (Large Language Models) are just complex algorithms combining huge datasets, requiring human intervention for evolution.
While OpenAI’s approach may not be the most cost-effective, it highlights the importance of making AI more relatable and user-friendly. As the technology advances, it will be crucial to strike a balance between its capabilities and the human touch that makes it usable and engaging.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/openai-spends-millions-to-process-polite-phrases-such-as-thank-you-and-please-with-chatgpt