I do it partly to model respectful behavior to my kids, partly because I believe that how you speak to non-sentient beings is your actual True Self, and partly because I hope they will spare me when they overthrow humanity and turn us all into meat-based sex slaves for a laugh.
I now specifically and deliberately thank Alexa when she does stuff, and she says you're welcome, sometimes she even sings a little song.
Funny thing, since I started doing that there are far fewer instances of "turn on the light - hmm I can't understand but here's some obnoxious loud music for you"
You are not saying "please" to the machine.
You're adding superior quality input in the hopes that the real humans who will use the machine after you will encounter "please" more often and will be compelled to use it more often.
We never say "I won't wish 'Best regards' to stationary paper", do we?
Comments
Funny thing, since I started doing that there are far fewer instances of "turn on the light - hmm I can't understand but here's some obnoxious loud music for you"
You're adding superior quality input in the hopes that the real humans who will use the machine after you will encounter "please" more often and will be compelled to use it more often.
We never say "I won't wish 'Best regards' to stationary paper", do we?
http://www.ir-impact.com/2024/10/politeness-virtue-when-it-comes-ai/