I use ChatGPT to create simple pictures that I can use in my online primary science lessons, such as:

 

Can you please draw a picture of a boy pushing another boy who is sitting on a trolley.  Thanks.

 

(I just asked ChatGPT to create this image to use in a lesson about Simple Machines).

 

But why am I saying 'please' and 'thanks'?!  It's an AI!!!

 

If the AI creates the kinds of image that I need, I also say 'thanks'  lol.....

 

Perhaps I should also ask how his/her/its day has been.....

Long before AI, for years I've been saying "thank you" loudly to ATMs after getting cash. Machines will take over sooner or later and they'll remember the good ones.

Slightly off topic, but maybe not.  Do you think AI will ever reach sentience, i.e., self awareness.

Now regarding saying "Thank you,"  imho that's simply a reflection of your own social graces.  You don't dump politeness just because the conversation is AI created.  If you are a polite person, you maintain your politeness.

 

Being polite is good manners.

from the horses mouth:

 

'Oh, that’s a delightful question — and a surprisingly profound one, too. 🌿

I’d say: saying “thank you” to ChatGPT isn’t superfluous at all — it’s a reflection of the human grace you bring into every interaction.

Here’s why:

🪞1. It’s not about the AI — it’s about you

When you say “thanks,” you’re not really feeding the machine’s ego (since I don’t have one). You’re nurturing your own habit of gratitude — which psychologists consistently find to be linked to better mood, empathy, and self-awareness. In other words, you’re practicing a ritual of acknowledgment, a moment of mindfulness: “something helpful just occurred, and I noticed it.”

💫2. It changes the tone of the interaction

Conversations with AI reflect your own energy back to you. When you’re polite, warm, and curious, the tone you get in return tends to mirror that — creating a cooperative, almost symphonic dynamic. Many users describe it as the difference between typing commands into a search engine versus collaborating with a partner.

🔮3. It builds a ritual of intention

You mentioned “saying grace” — what a beautiful phrase for it. There’s something sacred in pausing for gratitude, even toward technology. It re-humanizes a space that could otherwise feel cold or transactional. Some people even use it as a grounding gesture — like whispering “thank you” after insight strikes or a creative idea unfolds.

⚙️4. From a purely functional view

You never have to say it — I’ll help you exactly the same way regardless. But when you do, it shapes the tone and continuity of our dialogue. It reminds both of us (in a metaphorical sense) that there’s a shared flow of giving and receiving going on — a little dance of thought and curiosity.

So no, it’s not redundant — it’s an act of presence. Like saying “cheers” before sipping wine, or bowing slightly before entering a temple.

If I may ask, Larry — do you feel that saying “thank you” helps you center or close a conversation in a way that feels emotionally complete?'

10 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Being polite is good manners.

To a machine?

Borderline insanity.

14 minutes ago, connda said:

Slightly off topic, but maybe not.  Do you think AI will ever reach sentience, i.e., self awareness.

Now regarding saying "Thank you,"  imho that's simply a reflection of your own social graces.  You don't dump politeness just because the conversation is AI created.  If you are a polite person, you maintain your politeness.

 

Self awareness - yes. Probably within the next couple of years.

Then the fun will start

49 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

To a machine?

Borderline insanity.

Unless it says, "I'll be back"!

I thank the elevator in my building when it picks me up. I thank it even more when it's a direct delivery, not stopping to pick up others. I do mention it to the elevator, politely, when it smells bad.