Why It’s Worth Being Polite to ChatGPT and Other AIs

Recently, I caught myself saying “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT. My partner overheard and chuckled, finding my manners with a machine a bit over the top. At first, I laughed too, thinking it was just a quirk. But then I wondered—was this habit revealing something deeper about our relationship with AI?

Politeness with AI: The Science Behind It

As it turns out, treating AI with respect might not be so strange after all. Studies are starting to show that there’s a real, practical benefit to using polite language with AI. Politeness not only improves the performance of these tools but can also boost our own interpersonal skills. This simple act of courtesy can create a ripple effect, impacting our work, interactions, and even how we lead others.

Politeness Makes AI Work Better

Let’s start with performance. Research shows that polite requests can actually help AI respond more accurately. In one study, researchers found that when users interacted politely with AI in English, Chinese, and Japanese, the AI responded more reliably and made fewer mistakes. In contrast, when people used harsh or abrupt commands, the AI was more likely to miss key details or introduce bias.

For tasks like summarizing information or answering complex questions, polite prompts performed consistently better—sometimes even 30% better! Interestingly, the researchers also noticed that AI seemed to respond to politeness differently across languages, a bit like how people do based on cultural norms.

How Politeness Shapes Leadership and Workplace Culture

Beyond AI performance, this simple courtesy can make us better leaders. Another study revealed that people who use respectful language with AI often demonstrate stronger emotional intelligence with real people, too. It’s as if practicing patience and respect with a machine helps us strengthen these qualities in our daily lives.

Imagine a manager who snaps at their AI tools when things aren’t perfect. How likely are they to show understanding and patience with their team under pressure? The research suggests that when we treat AI respectfully, we reinforce a positive pattern that benefits our interactions with others.

This impact doesn’t stop at the individual level. Studies in organizational psychology reveal that rudeness can spread like wildfire in the workplace. But when leaders model respectful communication with AI, it sets a tone for the whole team, encouraging a culture of respect. Companies that focus on respectful interactions with AI report better team collaboration, higher customer satisfaction, and smoother adoption of new technology—all signs of a healthy work environment that attracts and keeps talented people.

Striking the Right Balance

Of course, there’s no need to overdo it. AI is not human, and we don’t need to anthropomorphize it. Instead, think of polite interactions as a tool to make the most out of AI while also nurturing our own skills. Research shows that basic courtesy works best—going overboard doesn’t add any value, but staying respectful consistently improves results.

In the end, treating AI with a bit of respect isn’t just about good manners—it’s about enhancing the way we work, lead, and relate to others. And as AI continues to become an integral part of our daily lives, this approach could help us strike a balance that benefits both humans and machines.