Recently, news that using polite language with AI chatbots like ChatGPT might cost OpenAI millions of dollars annually has sparked widespread attention. This claim originated from a social media comment by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, quickly generating considerable media buzz.
It all started when a netizen asked Altman on social media: "How much does it cost OpenAI in electricity for users saying 'please' and 'thank you' to the AI?" Altman humorously replied: "Tens of millions of dollars, worth it—you never know." This seemingly lighthearted response prompted in-depth media interpretations, with many outlets exploring the impact of polite language on OpenAI's operating costs.
Firstly, it's true that using polite language does increase the number of tokens per user input. Each additional word impacts computing resources. Considering ChatGPT's massive user base, these extra tokens could accumulate into significant costs.
However, the actual figure isn't as high as imagined. According to OpenAI's data, the GPT-3.5-Turbo model costs $0.0015 per 1,000 input tokens and $0.002 per 1,000 output tokens. "Please" and "thank you" typically add only 2 to 4 tokens. This means the cost per polite interaction is only between $0.0000015 and $0.000002. A rough estimate puts the daily cost at around $400, totaling approximately $146,000 annually—significantly less than Altman's "tens of millions."
Now, let's consider electricity costs. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, OpenAI's monthly electricity bill is roughly $12 million, amounting to $140 million annually. This covers all user interactions, not just those with polite language. Therefore, while theoretically the cost from polite language could accumulate to millions, there's insufficient data to support the claim's accuracy.
Altman's statement wasn't a serious cost calculation; his "you never know" was more of a playful remark, perhaps emphasizing the importance of polite behavior. In today's society, facing increasingly intelligent AI, a kind and courteous approach might hold unique value.
Key Points:
🌟 Altman's humorous response to a user's question sparked media discussion about the cost of polite language.
💰 Polite language only adds about $146,000 in annual costs, far less than the claimed "tens of millions."
⚡ OpenAI's annual electricity bill is $140 million, covering all user interactions, not just those using polite language.
