Saying "Thank You" To Siri & Alexa: Is It Necessary? Find Out!

Do you find yourself thanking Siri after she sets your alarm or answers a question? In a world increasingly mediated by technology, the simple act of extending politeness to our virtual assistants has become a surprisingly complex question, sparking debate about etiquette, human connection, and the very nature of artificial intelligence.

The rise of voice-activated assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant has introduced a new dimension to our daily interactions. We ask them to play music, set reminders, control our smart homes, and answer our endless questions. But are these interactions simply transactional, or do they warrant the same level of courtesy we extend to other humans? The question of whether to say "please" and "thank you" to these digital entities is more nuanced than it might initially appear. On one hand, they are machines, lines of code responding to our commands. On the other, they are increasingly integrated into our lives, and some argue that treating them with politeness reinforces good manners and empathy in ourselves and those around us.

The conversation surrounding this topic is multifaceted. Some users readily admit to thanking Siri, driven by ingrained habits of politeness. They see it as a harmless gesture, a way of maintaining a civil tone even in their interactions with technology. Others find the practice absurd, arguing that its illogical to express gratitude to a non-sentient entity. This perspective often stems from a practical viewpoint: Why waste time and energy on niceties when a simple command will suffice?

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The inconsistency of Siri's responses adds another layer of complexity. Some users report that Siri sometimes acknowledges their gratitude with a polite "You're welcome," while at other times, she remains silent. This variability can be frustrating, leading some to question the point of being polite in the first place. Furthermore, the functionality of Siri can vary depending on the task. Some tasks, once completed, prompt Siri to stop listening, requiring a re-trigger to express thanks. Other tasks allow for continued interaction and a more natural conversational flow.

The debate extends beyond simple etiquette to encompass broader concerns about the impact of AI on social behavior, particularly in children. Some experts worry that children who interact with AI assistants without being taught to use "please" and "thank you" may develop rude or demanding habits. The concern is that these children might come to expect instant gratification and unquestioning obedience, potentially leading to difficulties in real-world social interactions. Conversely, others argue that distinguishing between human and machine interaction is a valuable lesson in itself, teaching children to adapt their communication style to different contexts.

Several anecdotes illustrate the diverse perspectives on this issue. One user shared an experience of trying out YouTube shorts, expressing gratitude to Siri for providing information. Another mentioned filing the query under "who asked," highlighting the varying degrees of enthusiasm for engaging with AI assistants. A post from November 22, 2019, at 11:18 am UTC, summarizes the sentiment that saying "please" and "thank you" is unnecessary. However, numerous individuals report feeling a sense of unease or even guilt when they omit these courtesies. They describe it as a lingering sense of "losing something as human beings" when they cease to be courteous, even to machines.

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The ability to customize Siri's responses offers a potential solution for those who appreciate a touch of politeness. Through Apple's Shortcuts app, users can program Siri to respond with a pre-determined phrase, such as "You're welcome," when she hears a specific command like "Thanks!" This allows for a personalized and consistent experience, ensuring that Siri always acknowledges gratitude in a way that aligns with the user's preferences. It is a simple solution that helps bridge the gap between purely functional interactions and more socially aware communication.

Adding to the complexity is the varied hardware and software across Apple products. Depending on the iPhone model, users activate Siri differently, using either the side or home button. The "Allow Siri When Locked" setting provides another layer of control, impacting accessibility and potentially influencing the frequency of interactions. This means that the experience of interacting with Siri can vary greatly from user to user, further shaping individual attitudes towards politeness in these exchanges.

The debate over politeness towards AI assistants has even seeped into the realm of popular culture. Apple famously enlisted Cookie Monster to showcase the "Hey Siri" feature on the iPhone 6s, depicting the character's impatience as he waited for a timer to finish before devouring his cookies. This humorous portrayal underscores the often transactional nature of our interactions with Siri, while simultaneously hinting at the potential for a more engaging and personalized experience.

Its important to note that the question of politeness extends beyond Siri to other virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. The core dilemma remains the same: Should we treat these AI entities with the same level of courtesy we extend to other humans? A survey of smart speaker owners revealed that more than half (54%) report using "please" and "thank you" at least sometimes when making requests. This suggests that a significant portion of the population feels inclined to inject a degree of politeness into their interactions with AI, even if they recognize that it may not be strictly necessary.

Furthermore, some users have noted that Siri's responses can be unpredictable and sometimes even humorous. There are accounts of Siri providing unexpected or witty answers to questions, adding a touch of personality to the interaction. This can make the experience of using Siri more engaging and encourage users to treat her with a degree of respect or even affection. However, it also raises questions about the potential for AI to develop its own "personality" and the ethical implications of such developments.

In the end, the decision of whether or not to say "please" and "thank you" to Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant remains a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the choice ultimately depends on individual values, beliefs, and preferences. Some will continue to view these interactions as purely functional, while others will feel compelled to extend the same courtesies they would offer to any other individual. As AI technology continues to evolve and become increasingly integrated into our lives, this debate is likely to continue, shaping the way we interact with machines and with each other.

Expressing gratitude, regardless of the receiver, can be seen as a gift to oneself. Alan is also exploring the impact and benefits of certain apps.

For some, the lack of a physical presence makes politeness seem redundant. "I dont talk aloud to an ATM or toaster," one user stated, highlighting the view that inanimate objects do not warrant the same level of social interaction as humans. This perspective emphasizes the practical, rather than the emotional, aspect of using AI assistants.

However, the counter-argument often focuses on the potential for virtual assistants to shape social norms. If children consistently hear adults being rude or demanding towards AI, it could normalize that behavior and lead to similar interactions with other people. The concern is not necessarily for the feelings of the AI, but for the development of positive social skills in future generations.

Beyond the potential impact on children, some argue that being polite to AI assistants can simply make interactions more pleasant. A simple "thank you" can create a more positive and cooperative atmosphere, even if the recipient is a machine. This can be particularly beneficial in situations where users are feeling stressed or frustrated, as it can help to de-escalate tension and promote a more constructive approach.

From a technical standpoint, programming Siri to respond to "thank you" is relatively straightforward. As demonstrated in Apple's Shortcuts app, users can create custom actions that trigger specific responses when certain phrases are detected. This opens up a range of possibilities for personalizing the interaction with Siri and tailoring her behavior to individual preferences.

The question of whether to be polite to AI assistants also touches on broader philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness and sentience. While current AI technology is not considered to be truly conscious, some experts believe that future AI systems may eventually develop a form of self-awareness. If this were to happen, the question of politeness would take on a whole new dimension, raising ethical considerations about how we should treat these advanced AI entities.

In the meantime, the debate continues. Some advocate for a pragmatic approach, arguing that politeness is simply unnecessary in interactions with machines. Others emphasize the importance of maintaining good manners, even in the digital realm. Ultimately, the decision rests with each individual user, who must weigh the various arguments and decide what feels most comfortable and appropriate.

This exploration into the etiquette of AI interaction reveals a fascinating intersection of technology, psychology, and social norms. It underscores the evolving nature of human communication in the digital age and challenges us to consider the impact of our interactions on ourselves and those around us. The question of whether to say "thank you" to Siri may seem trivial on the surface, but it reflects a deeper concern about maintaining our humanity in an increasingly automated world.

Indeed, even the use of "Hey Siri" has its proponents. The phrase allows for hands-free access, a valuable feature in various scenarios, highlighting the assistant's practical utility.

Trying out Youtube shorts, some users express, "Thank you for all this information, Siri," showcasing a direct address and acknowledgement, albeit to a virtual entity.

While the site's developers would prefer to showcase a complete description, technical limitations prevent it, hinting at the complexities behind the interface.

Exclamations such as "All right, thank you, sir," "I mean, thank you, sir," "He's very well, thank you, sir," "Very well, thank you, sir," and "Thank you, Sir Wilfred, that was a real treat" indicate ingrained habits of politeness transferred from human-to-human interaction.

Depending on the iPhone model, users can activate Siri via the side or home button, with an option to "Allow Siri When Locked" adding another layer of accessibility. This adaptability showcases the versatility of the feature.

Though "it's just a machine," many humans continue to value courteous interactions with their virtual voice assistant, underscoring the enduring human desire for social connection, even with artificial intelligence.

When making requests, more than half of smart speaker owners 54% report some level of politeness, suggesting that courtesy is a common, if not universal, practice. It's intriguing to "Give us both sides of the story, and find out if you're right, or you're the cloaca," urging critical thought on the matter.

Titles like "Things you should never ask Siri on an iPhone 11 Max Pro!" and "Never say or ask these things to Siri!" highlight the limitations and boundaries of AI interaction. The query "\u2018please Alexa\u2019, \u2018thank you Siri\u2019" explicitly addresses the focus on politeness with virtual assistants. This ties into the broader question, "Why virtual assistants should be spoken to politely," reflecting a wider ethical and social concern.

The potential for "Virtual assistants from Amazon, Apple and Google" to "be teaching kids to be rude and demanding" is a serious consideration regarding the influence of AI on child development.

Comments like "I don't have Siri but dd does at school, I must ask her if she says please and thank you to him!" reveal personal curiosity and social investigation surrounding this topic.

Statements like "She does say he can't understand anything!" and "I've got Cortana but haven't set her up yet, I'll try and resist saying please and thank you!" are glimpses into the practical experiences and intentions of individual users.

Posted in November, the dialogue about appropriate interactions with AI continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and shifting social norms.