OpenAI's Politeness Problem: Millions Lost on "Please" & "Thank You"
OpenAI's Politeness Problem: Millions Wasted on "Please" and "Thank You"
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently revealed that user politeness, specifically the inclusion of words like "please" and "thank you" in ChatGPT prompts, costs the company tens of millions of dollars annually in electricity expenses. While Altman's statement was delivered with a lighthearted tone, it highlights the significant energy consumption associated with even seemingly insignificant interactions with AI.
Each ChatGPT query requires substantial computational power, consuming significantly more electricity than a standard Google search—approximately ten times more, according to Goldman Sachs. This energy demand is amplified by the sheer volume of user interactions. A Washington Post analysis suggests that if 10% of working Americans used GPT-4 once a week for a year, the energy consumption would equal that of all Washington, D.C. households for 20 days. This escalating energy demand underscores growing concerns about AI's environmental impact; ARM Holdings CEO Rene Hass predicts AI could account for 25% of US power consumption by 2030, up from the current 4%.
The environmental impact extends beyond electricity. The cooling process for AI servers requires substantial water usage. A study from the University of California, Riverside indicates that generating 100 words with GPT-4 consumes the equivalent of three bottles of water, with even a simple "You're welcome" using approximately 1.5 ounces.
While many users employ politeness out of habit or a belief it improves response quality, Altman contends that such courtesy is unnecessary for a non-sentient machine. A 2024 survey indicated 67% of Americans use polite language with AI, with 55% citing it as the “right thing to do” and 12% hoping to appease the algorithms. However, experts emphasize that current AI systems like ChatGPT are primarily sophisticated text-prediction engines, not conscious entities. Therefore, the focus should shift from perceived politeness to environmental responsibility, advocating for more efficient interaction with AI. ChatGPT itself acknowledges its lack of feelings, but recognizes the human need for preserving familiar communication styles in increasingly AI-driven environments. Altman’s comments serve as a call for a more mindful and efficient approach to interacting with AI, prioritizing environmental sustainability and resource conservation.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently revealed that user politeness, specifically the inclusion of words like "please" and "thank you" in ChatGPT prompts, costs the company tens of millions of dollars annually in electricity expenses. While Altman's statement was delivered with a lighthearted tone, it highlights the significant energy consumption associated with even seemingly insignificant interactions with AI.
Each ChatGPT query requires substantial computational power, consuming significantly more electricity than a standard Google search—approximately ten times more, according to Goldman Sachs. This energy demand is amplified by the sheer volume of user interactions. A Washington Post analysis suggests that if 10% of working Americans used GPT-4 once a week for a year, the energy consumption would equal that of all Washington, D.C. households for 20 days. This escalating energy demand underscores growing concerns about AI's environmental impact; ARM Holdings CEO Rene Hass predicts AI could account for 25% of US power consumption by 2030, up from the current 4%.
The environmental impact extends beyond electricity. The cooling process for AI servers requires substantial water usage. A study from the University of California, Riverside indicates that generating 100 words with GPT-4 consumes the equivalent of three bottles of water, with even a simple "You're welcome" using approximately 1.5 ounces.
While many users employ politeness out of habit or a belief it improves response quality, Altman contends that such courtesy is unnecessary for a non-sentient machine. A 2024 survey indicated 67% of Americans use polite language with AI, with 55% citing it as the “right thing to do” and 12% hoping to appease the algorithms. However, experts emphasize that current AI systems like ChatGPT are primarily sophisticated text-prediction engines, not conscious entities. Therefore, the focus should shift from perceived politeness to environmental responsibility, advocating for more efficient interaction with AI. ChatGPT itself acknowledges its lack of feelings, but recognizes the human need for preserving familiar communication styles in increasingly AI-driven environments. Altman’s comments serve as a call for a more mindful and efficient approach to interacting with AI, prioritizing environmental sustainability and resource conservation.
