The Influence of Rudeness Towards AI on Personal and Interpersonal Dynamics

Our interactions with AI, from voice assistants to chatbots, are subtly reshaping the way we communicate—not just with machines, but with humans too. This can have profound implications on personal relationships as well as societal norms.

Shifting Norms in Communication

The tendency to issue commands without courtesy to AI is becoming commonplace. This behavioral pattern, referred to by experts as the 'normalization of command', might diminish empathy and politeness in interpersonal interactions. Studies have even highlighted how treating devices like Amazon's Alexa rudely might affect the social development of children.

This trend isn’t isolated to AI. Historically, online anonymity has lessened social constraints, encouraging rudeness and hostility. This phenomenon, known as 'online disinhibition effect', parallels our interactions with AI, where the absence of immediate social repercussion allows for more aggressive communication.

Impact on Human Interaction

One might believe it's a simple task to switch between polite human interactions and blunt exchanges with AI. However, experiences reveal that habitual rudeness to AI can inadvertently blur the lines, influencing how we communicate with people offline. Consistently polite interactions, whether with people or machines, help reinforce empathy and respect.

The concept of the 'Overton Window'—the spectrum of acceptable public discourse—illustrates how repetitive exposure to direct, impolite commands can expand what individuals perceive as normal behavior, potentially impacting wider societal interactions.

Maintaining Courtesy for Better Well-being

Adopting a courteous demeanor towards AI can foster better mental health and relationships. Viewing AI as collaborative partners can enhance personal productivity and reduce stress. Even though AI lacks emotional perception, preserving politeness helps maintain our emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

Interestingly, some research indicates that varying levels of politeness can affect AI performance. For instance, moderate respect can lead to greater AI efficiency, though this isn't a universal finding, and excessive politeness might even hinder performance. Nonetheless, the overall inclination towards courteous interaction is preserved for the human benefit, not the machine.

Conclusion: It's About People

Ultimately, our interaction style with AI echoes in our real-world relationships. By committing to thoughtful interaction with machines, we're setting a precedent for our own behavior, emphasizing the importance of human connectivity, empathy, and respect. The manner in which we treat AI could well be a reflection of how we aspire to treat each other.