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Polite AI Users Cost OpenAI Millions in Energy

4/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman disclosed that users' polite interactions with AI chatbots, like saying "please" and "thank you," are costing the company tens of millions in electricity. While courtesy improves AI responses, it also leads to substantial energy consumption, with a study revealing that crafting a simple 100-word email consumes 0.14 kWh, underscoring AI's environmental footprint.

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Story summary

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman disclosed that users' polite interactions with AI chatbots, like saying "please" and "thank you," are costing the company tens of millions in electricity. While courtesy improves AI responses, it also leads to substantial energy consumption, with a study revealing that crafting a simple 100-word email consumes 0.14 kWh, underscoring AI's environmental footprint.