We’ve all had that moment: sitting at your desk, frustrated with a problem that seems unsolvable. Then, a few clicks later, ChatGPT saves the day. It’s easy to think, “Thank you!” But should you? Does AI care whether we’re polite?

In the AI era, this lighthearted question sparks deeper thoughts about our evolving relationships with technology. A recent conversation between a couple of tech professionals, Vikas C. and Riddhi Sahni, revealed a playful divide: Vikas showers his AI assistant with praise—“You’re a rock star!”—while Ridhi remains more pragmatic, seeing no reason to thank an algorithm.

While this might seem like a quirky dinner table debate, it actually taps into something many of us in business are facing. As AI tools become our colleagues, we start to wonder: do we treat them like tools, or like teammates?

On one hand, AI is designed to perform tasks efficiently, without the need for feedback or emotional engagement. Unlike human coworkers, algorithms don’t feel appreciated, and there’s no research suggesting your “politeness” makes them work any better. But on the other hand, how we interact with these tools might affect our own mindset and workplace culture. After all, a culture of respect and collaboration should extend to all aspects of work—even the tools we rely on. Think about it: if you’re mindful of your tone with AI, could it translate into being more considerate with your human colleagues too?

Being ‘nice’ to AI may sound unnecessary, but perhaps it’s a simple reminder that positive language, even with machines, keeps our workspaces lighter and more engaging. We’re creatures of habit, and politeness can boost our mood and keep our energy high, especially when we’re deep in tech-driven tasks.

In a broader sense, this discussion touches on an emerging workplace trend: how we integrate AI and human collaboration. As AI systems become more integral to our daily operations—managing data, creating reports, helping with customer service—the boundary between “just a tool” and “virtual teammate” blurs. Could the way we treat AI reflect the future of how we approach our tech-driven work culture?

For now, here’s a thought experiment: Next time ChatGPT helps you resolve a sticky situation, why not throw out a quick ‘thank you’? Who knows—maybe your mood will lift, and you’ll be just a little more motivated to tackle that next task. And if not, at least you’ve had some fun in the process.

So, how do you interact with AI in your day-to-day work? Are you all business, or do you find yourself throwing in a compliment or two when the bot pulls through for you? Let’s hear it—what’s your AI etiquette?

Reference

Preetika Rana (2024, October 15). Should You Be Nice to Your Chatbot? WSJ. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ai-chatbot-bot-artificial-intelligence-manners-etiquette-28c3adcb

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