Africa: Does Adding 'Please' and 'Thank You' to Your ChatGPT Prompts Really Waste Energy?
AllAfrica
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Cutting out polite phrases like "please" and "thank you" in ChatGPT prompts might seem like an eco-friendly gesture, but its impact on energy use is negligible. While longer prompts may require slightly more computation, the environmental cost of adding a few extra words pales in comparison to the energy-intensive operations of AI data centers. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has acknowledged that billions of such queries add up, but the idea reflects a broader awareness of AI's environmental footprint.
The notion that polite language could significantly harm the planet highlights how people are beginning to recognize that AI is not as abstract or environmentally neutral as it appears. AI systems rely on massive data centers powered by electricity, requiring extensive cooling and infrastructure—factors that contribute to their significant environmental impact. As AI adoption grows, so does its energy consumption, making frequency and intensity of use the key factors in assessing environmental costs.
While individual prompt phrasing may seem insignificant, the persistence of this idea underscores a growing understanding of AI's tangible resource demands. This shift in perception is crucial for addressing larger issues like data center energy use, water consumption, and land utilization tied to AI infrastructure. The real focus should be on reducing overall AI usage intensity rather than minor linguistic tweaks.
Ultimately, the conversation about polite language reflects a broader need to consider the environmental implications of technology at scale. As AI expands globally, understanding its resource dependencies becomes increasingly vital for sustainable innovation.
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/24/2026