Being Polite to ChatGPT? Sam Altman Says It’s Costing OpenAI Millions

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has disclosed that users being polite in their ChatGPT interactions—by including phrases like “please” and “thank you”—is leading to energy expenses running into tens of millions of dollars for the company. Despite the high cost, he maintains that the expenditure is justified and "well spent."

What Prompted the Revelation?

In a fascinating exchange on X (formerly Twitter), user @tomieinlove wondered,

"I wonder how much money OpenAI has lost in electricity costs from people saying 'please' and 'thank you' to their models."

Responding to this query, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman disclosed that the cost of processing polite language is indeed substantial.

"Tens of millions of dollars," Altman responded, referring to the electricity cost.

He added,

"Well spent."

And in a slightly cryptic tone, Altman hinted that the actual cost could be even higher, adding,

"You never know."

Why Is Politeness So Expensive in AI Conversations?

The Hidden Cost of Kindness

Although phrases like “please” and “thank you” seem harmless, each additional word requires extra processing power from ChatGPT's large language models. These models run on energy-intensive data centers, which consume massive amounts of electricity.

It's Not Just the Processing

Maintaining high-performance servers also means running powerful cooling systems to prevent overheating. This adds to the overall carbon footprint of generative AI platforms.

According to various energy experts, AI systems like ChatGPT can consume as much power per query as an average Google search does in an hour, depending on the complexity of the task.

The Broader Environmental Footprint of AI

As tools like ChatGPT become an everyday utility, the environmental toll of these systems grows with them. A 2023 study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst estimated that training a large AI model could emit over 626,000 pounds of CO₂, equivalent to the lifetime emissions of five cars.

This conversation between Sam Altman and an X user throws light on the less-discussed side of AI development—sustainability and ethical responsibility in tech.

Why OpenAI Still Supports Polite Prompts

The Human-AI Interaction Philosophy

Despite the high cost, Sam Altman made it clear that OpenAI does not discourage users from being courteous. On the contrary, the company sees value in preserving respectful interactions.

“Well spent,” he reiterated.

Designers Say Politeness Matters

According to Kurtis Beavers, Design Manager at Microsoft:

"Using good manners helps generate respectful, collaborative outputs."

He explains that the way we speak to AI influences how it responds. Being polite sets the tone for the reply, which could lead to more refined and professional outputs.

AI Mirrors Your Tone

As highlighted in a Microsoft WorkLab memo:

"When it clocks politeness, it’s more likely to be polite back."

The memo goes on to say that generative AI models often reflect the precision, professionalism, and intent of the prompt, making polite prompts not just ethical, but functional.

The Takeaway — Is Politeness in AI a Luxury or a Necessity?

While politeness may come with a price tag, it's one that OpenAI is willing to pay to ensure respectful and ethical user-AI relationships. In a world where digital interaction is on the rise, these micro-behaviors could be pivotal in shaping the future of responsible AI usage.

So, the next time you say “thank you” to ChatGPT, remember—you’re not just being polite. You’re helping reinforce the standard for human-like decency in digital interactions.

Conclusion

The revelation by Sam Altman that polite interactions with ChatGPT are costing OpenAI tens of millions of dollars brings attention to an often-overlooked aspect of AI usage—its environmental and financial impact. While saying “please” and “thank you” may seem trivial, every extra word adds to the computational workload, leading to higher electricity consumption.

However, Altman’s acknowledgment that this expense is “well spent” highlights a deeper commitment to promoting respectful human-AI interaction. Designers and researchers agree that courteous prompts help shape better, more collaborative AI responses.

As generative AI becomes more integrated into daily life, this discussion raises important questions about sustainable tech practices and the ethical design of digital interactions. It also emphasizes the need for energy-efficient AI models that balance performance with environmental responsibility.

Ultimately, being polite to AI isn't just good manners—it’s shaping the future of how we communicate with machines and how responsibly we build them.