Readers Discuss Politeness Toward Voice Assistants and AI Devices

A reader from Toronto has posed a question about interactions with voice assistants and artificial intelligence devices. The inquiry focuses on the practice of using polite phrases such as 'please' and 'thank you' when addressing these technologies.

The reader notes a personal habit of employing such language with an Alexa device despite recognizing that the AI does not have feelings or care about politeness.

This question is part of a long-running series where readers respond to prompts on a variety of subjects. Topics range from lighthearted and imaginative scenarios to deeper scientific and philosophical ideas. The series encourages participation by inviting submissions to address the weekly question.

The current prompt asks whether it is worthwhile to maintain politeness toward artificial assistants. Voice assistants, such as those integrated into smart home systems, process commands through natural language understanding but lack human-like emotional responses. Users often interact with them daily for tasks like setting reminders, playing music, or controlling appliances.

Background on the Series The reader response series has been ongoing for years, fostering discussions on diverse themes.

Previous questions have covered hypothetical worlds without human errors and other conceptual explorations. Readers submit their thoughts via email, contributing to published compilations that highlight varied perspectives. Politeness in human-AI interactions raises questions about social norms and technology design.

Some users report feeling more comfortable with courteous language, potentially influencing how AI systems are programmed to encourage positive user experiences. The inquiry highlights a common behavior observed among individuals who treat AI as conversational partners.

Implications for Users and Technology As AI assistants become more prevalent in households and workplaces, habits like politeness could affect user satisfaction and adoption rates.

Developers may consider incorporating polite prompts to mirror human etiquette, though the core functionality remains task-oriented. The discussion invites readers to share experiences and views on evolving human-technology relationships. Submissions for responses are directed to a designated email address.

The series continues to publish reader contributions, providing a platform for public input on contemporary issues. This week's focus on AI politeness reflects broader interest in ethical and social dimensions of technology use.