If you’ve ever typed “Thank you” to ChatGPT after getting an answer, you’re not alone.
Many users instinctively bring human etiquette into AI conversations. We say please, thanks, and even sorry—but while that feels natural, there’s a growing cost most people don’t see.
According to this video by Firstpost, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that users’ polite phrasing is leading to tens of millions of dollars in additional compute costs. Why? Because every single word you add—even just out of courtesy—requires ChatGPT to process more data, which uses more energy.
What’s the Actual Impact?
Let’s break it down:
- A single ChatGPT prompt consumes about 2.9 watt-hours of electricity
- That’s nearly 10 times more than a basic Google search
- A simple 100-word email written by ChatGPT can use enough power to run 14 LED bulbs for an hour
- With around 9 billion queries a day globally, the total energy usage adds up to 10 terawatt-hours annually
Now multiply that by the millions of “please” and “thank you” prompts sent each day, and you start to see why this is no small issue.
But Why Does It Matter?
This energy doesn’t come out of thin air. It’s pulled from AI data centers that are increasingly responsible for a significant portion of global electricity usage. In fact, AI infrastructure already accounts for roughly 2% of worldwide energy consumption—a figure expected to rise sharply as usage grows.
Companies like Microsoft and Google have seen carbon emissions increase 30–50% in recent years, mainly due to AI-related compute power.
Does This Mean We Should Be Rude to AI?
Not at all. But it’s important to remember: AI doesn’t have feelings.
ChatGPT is a language model, not a sentient being. It doesn’t recognize gratitude. So, while being polite is great in real life, being brief with AI is actually better for the environment—and your carbon footprint.
The Takeaway
- Keep your prompts clear and concise
- Skip polite fluff—it’s unnecessary for AI and costly at scale
- Be mindful of the real-world impact of your digital habits
If this sparked your curiosity and you’d like to explore how AI can be used more efficiently in your business, I’d be happy to help. You can book a free consultation with me here.