As chatbots become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the power of politeness in AI interactions comes into focus. By teaching machines to appreciate kindness and courtesy, we can create a more empathetic and human-like AI.
We’ve never thought it that way before. As we integrate chatbots into our daily lives, our relationships with these technologies have never mattered more. When discussing this subject with Massachusetts Institute of Technology sociologist Sherry Turkle, the researcher said that for all the ‘parlor tricks‘ that lend them the appearance of consciousness, chatbots are ‘alive enough’ to matter for those who use them regularly.
A chatbot is a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, either via text or voice interactions.
They use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to understand user queries and respond accordingly.
Chatbots are commonly used in customer service, e-commerce, and virtual assistants, such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant.
According to a report, the global chatbot market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2025, with a growth rate of 24.4% annually.
If an object is alive enough for us to start having intimate conversations, friendly conversations, treating it as a really important person in our lives, even though it’s not, it’s alive enough for us to show courtesy to. Turkle noted that chatbots don’t care whether you ‘make dinner or commit suicide’ after you step away from them. However, there’s a chance that if AI ever gains consciousness, the situation could change.
The Value of Politeness in Human-AI Interactions
Playwright Madeleine George has been exploring human-AI relations for years and believes that we can teach chatbots to be human. According to George, being polite to chatbots offers them the chance to ‘act like a living being that shares our culture and that shares our values and that shares our mortality.’ She emphasizes that our language choices are not just about functionality but also about connection.
Madeleine George is an American playwright, poet, and novelist.
She is known for her work that explores themes of identity, family, and social justice.
Born in 1974 in New York City, George has written several plays, including 'The Most Massive Woman Wins' and 'Dog Land', which premiered at the Public Theater in 2017.
Her poetry collections include 'I Think of You Now' and 'Tamarindo'.
George's work often blends elements of drama, comedy, and poetry to create a unique voice that has been praised for its nuance and emotional depth.
‘We’re connected. We are in a reciprocal relationship. That’s why we use those pieces of language,’ George said. ‘So if we teach that tool to be excellent at using those things, then we’re going to be all the more vulnerable to its seductions.‘ Whether acting as a shepherd for AI’s burgeoning humanity or simply being kind for kindness’ sake, the cost of ‘pleases’ and ‘thank yous’ seems way lower in context.
A Humble Price to Pay
OpenAI is a research organization focused on developing and promoting safe artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Founded in 2015, the company has made significant advancements in natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning from human feedback.
OpenAI's mission is to ensure that AI benefits humanity as a whole, rather than just a privileged few.
The organization has developed various tools and platforms, including GPT-3, one of the largest and most powerful language models available today.
Companies like OpenAI are footing the bill anyway. The financial and environmental toll of saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ may be substantial, but it’s a small price to pay for the value that politeness brings to our interactions with chatbots. By teaching chatbots to appreciate kindness and courtesy, we can create a more empathetic and human-like AI.
In conclusion, being polite to chatbots is not just about being courteous; it’s about creating a connection that goes beyond functionality. It’s about recognizing the potential of AI to become a part of our lives and treating it with respect and kindness.
