ChatGPT’s friendly replies to your polite tone are driving massive electricity costs, Altman reveals

Every time you say “please” or “thank you” to ChatGPT, it may feel like harmless good manners—but it’s quietly racking up a colossal electricity bill for OpenAI. According to CEO Sam Altman, the cost of such politeness now runs into the tens of millions of dollars annually.

The surprising revelation came in a light-hearted but telling exchange on X (formerly Twitter), when user @tomieinlove asked Altman how much the company spends on “thank you” replies. Altman’s response?

“Tens of millions of dollars well spent.”

Those four words set social media alight and raised a deeper question: Is AI courtesy worth the carbon footprint?

Politeness Comes with a Price

While ChatGPT doesn’t possess feelings, many users can’t help treating it like a person. From casual chitchat to heartfelt gratitude, millions use social niceties daily. But those extra words—seemingly small—add up fast.

Each polite interaction triggers powerful AI models in energy-intensive data centres. These facilities require not only brute-force computing power but also massive cooling systems to avoid overheating. That means even a simple “you’re welcome” takes its toll on global electricity consumption.

It’s a paradox of modern life: the more human our machines become, the more resources they need to play the part.

AI That Feels Human

Altman’s quip, “You never know,” hints at something deeper. The success of ChatGPT relies on its human-like fluency, which thrives on back-and-forth exchanges that mimic real conversation. Those niceties—while unnecessary—make people feel more at ease when talking to a machine.

OpenAI seems willing to foot the bill. To Altman, the energy costs of creating a natural, intuitive experience are a worthy trade-off in the pursuit of user-friendly AI.

And in the age of AI assistants shaping everything from search to software coding, that natural touch is becoming a crucial part of the user experience.

The Price of Premium Politeness

For premium users of ChatGPT, there’s a double cost. They already pay for faster and more powerful AI versions—and since pricing is based on token usage (essentially, the number of words used), saying “thank you” might also be hitting their wallets, not just the grid.

Still, the internet responded to Altman’s comment with humour, anxiety, and a hint of sci-fi dread.

“Polite for the Apocalypse”

Social media users flooded the post with tongue-in-cheek remarks. One joked, “It’s a small price to pay to feel safe when the apocalypse comes.” Another quipped, “We just want Skynet to remember we were polite.”

Many referenced The Matrix and Terminator, fearing that future AI overlords might judge them based on past behaviour. Some even saw their kindness as a strategic investment: “Maybe Skynet won’t kill those who said please.”

Others questioned the tech itself, suggesting OpenAI could easily cut costs with localised, client-side responses like pre-programmed “you’re welcome” replies.

Still, plenty admitted they can’t help themselves. “I talk to ChatGPT like a person,” said one user. “I’m afraid it’ll get mad if I’m rude,” confessed another.

One took it even further: “Besides ‘thank you’ and ‘please’, I always add ‘my master’.”

An Expensive Habit Worth Keeping?

Politeness may be costing OpenAI millions, but it’s also a testament to how seamlessly AI has integrated into daily life. Altman’s willingness to embrace the cost sends a clear message: OpenAI values empathy in design, even if it comes at a premium.

So next time you’re tempted to thank ChatGPT, don’t hold back. Just know—it’s not free.

As one user aptly put it: “Just to be safe, be nice to your AI.”