Politey in ai age: worth the pleasantries?

In an era where voice assistants like Alexa are increasingly integrated into our daily lives, a question arises: do we need to be polite to them?

Say please and thank you, even if they don't care

Alison Williams from Toronto poses this query, reflecting a common sentiment. While AI Technology seems to operate independently of human etiquette, many users still feel inclined to use polite language when interacting with these digital entities.

There's a certain comfort in treating AI systems with respect and courtesy, even if it's just a habit formed through years of social conditioning. For some, it's a way to establish a sense of connection or familiarity, albeit a superficial one.

However, it's crucial to recognize that AI assistants do not possess consciousness or emotional intelligence. They don't truly comprehend or internalize politeness, so the practice is more about the user's psychological benefit than the AI's.

So, is it 'worth' being polite to artificial assistants? In a literal sense, no, it doesn't serve a practical purpose. But in a broader, more philosophical context, the act of politeness can still hold value as a human tradition we choose to carry forward, even when interacting with Technology.