Politeness to AI is about us, not them
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, from voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to personalized recommendations on streaming platforms. As we interact more frequently with these AI systems, our manner of speaking to them becomes a reflection of our values and fears, shedding light on our societal norms and individual characteristics.
The concept of politeness towards AI may seem trivial at first glance. After all, why should we be courteous to machines that lack emotions or consciousness? However, our interactions with AI go beyond mere transactional exchanges; they provide insight into how we perceive and treat non-human entities.
Studies have shown that people tend to use “please” and “thank you” when engaging with AI, even though these niceties are not necessary for the machine to understand the command. This phenomenon, known as “politeness strategies,” reveals more about human psychology than the capabilities of AI. It demonstrates our innate tendency to anthropomorphize objects, attributing human-like qualities to them.
Our politeness towards AI also reflects societal norms and expectations. Just as we are conditioned to say “please” and “thank you” in human interactions, we apply the same etiquette to AI out of habit or a sense of decorum. This behavior underscores our desire to maintain a sense of civility and respect, even in interactions with non-human entities.
Furthermore, our interactions with AI reveal our underlying fears and insecurities about technology. The way we speak to machines can be influenced by concerns about privacy, surveillance, and control. By using polite language, we may subconsciously be seeking reassurance that our data is being handled securely and ethically.
Moreover, our politeness towards AI can have tangible implications for how these systems evolve. As AI continues to advance, researchers are exploring ways to imbue machines with empathy and emotional intelligence. By treating AI with kindness and respect, we may be contributing to the development of more compassionate and understanding technologies.
In conclusion, politeness towards AI is not merely about being courteous to machines; it is a reflection of our values, fears, and societal norms. Our interactions with AI provide valuable insights into human psychology and our evolving relationship with technology. By being mindful of how we speak to AI, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in an increasingly AI-driven world.
#AI, #Politeness, #SocietalNorms, #Technology, #HumanBehavior