Do you use assistants like Siri, Alexa, or tools like ChatGPT and feel the need to start with a «hello,» include a «please,» or end with a «thank you»? Even though we’re talking to machines, these simple gestures reveal something important: how we relate to others—even the non-human.

Some people prefer to get straight to the point, skipping formalities, while others believe that being polite could positively influence AI responses. Not everyone sees it the same way, which raises the question: Does it really matter how we treat machines?

Even though AI doesn’t have emotions, experts agree that the language we use shapes the experience. According to Kurtis Beavers, head of Microsoft Copilot’s design team, «using polite language sets the tone for the response.» In other words, if we address AI respectfully, its responses will align with that courtesy—not because it «feels» anything, but because it is designed to reflect human communication patterns.

Put simply, the way we interact creates the atmosphere of the conversation, making exchanges with AI smoother and more engaging. Thanks to its learning capabilities, every interaction adds to the puzzle of its development. Beavers sums it up by saying that we are, in a way, its trainers. This means that our manners, tone, and language not only influence the response we receive but also shape how these technologies evolve to deliver more precise and personalized experiences.

So, next time you talk to AI, remember to be polite—not just out of courtesy, but as an investment in a more human and collaborative future. Had you ever thought about it this way?