My mom, at seventy-three, insists on saying “thank you” to her Google Home. It might seem silly—after all, it’s just a machine. When I remarked on it, she shot me a look of disappointment. “I know it won’t appreciate it,” she said. “But I don’t want to forget how to be polite.”
This small act reveals a lot about how we treat others, even in our increasingly efficient world. In our rush for speed, we can lose sight of basic kindness. Saying “please” or “thank you” to a machine is not just quirky behavior; it’s a way to hold onto our humanity as technology takes over.
The Importance of Small Courtesy
Research from MIT highlights how our interactions with AI reflect larger behavior patterns. People who are polite to machines understand that these habits shape how they engage with others. It’s a way to practice kindness, even when the recipient can’t appreciate it.
Being polite, even in simple tasks like asking Alexa to set a timer, becomes a part of who we are. Studies suggest that being courteous—even when it seems inefficient—helps reinforce our character. When we act kindly in low-stakes environments, we train ourselves to do so in more critical situations.
Respect in Everyday Interactions
Whether it’s saying goodnight to Alexa or apologizing to Siri for an interruption, these gestures matter. According to anthropologist Arnold van Gennep, such rituals mark transitions and help maintain social order. Cultivating respect is crucial because it remains key to how we behave with others.
You’re likely the one who gestures for others to pass in an empty aisle or who writes thank-you notes, even for e-gifts. These actions demonstrate that manners are not just about the other person; they’re about who you choose to be.
Deep Levels of Empathy
When Alexa misunderstands your command, you don’t lash out. This ability to remain calm reflects a deeper level of empathy. Most people show empathy when they see someone in distress. However, yours extends even to objects and situations where the emotional response is not required.
Your moral consistency showcases how you treat everyone with the same dignity—whether it’s a CEO or a janitor. You might return extra change or help someone pick up their dropped belongings, embodying kindness that transcends expectations.
Defending Against Dehumanization
Every “thank you” you give to Alexa is a small act of resistance against what sociologist Sherry Turkle calls “dehumanization creep.” The more we interact with technology, the more our behaviors can falter. You recognize that rudeness to machines can spill over into how we treat real people.
By remaining polite, you’re actively practicing a form of kindness that keeps human connection alive. It’s an important way to engage, protecting against becoming callous or impatient in a world driven by efficiency.
Cognitive Empathy in Action
Thanking Alexa—even though it doesn’t require gratitude—demonstrates cognitive empathy. You can recognize the separation between a machine’s capabilities and the value of maintaining polite behavior.
This flexibility in thinking helps you navigate complex social scenarios, whether dealing with difficult colleagues or family dynamics. Your interactions with technology serve as practice for the more challenging conversations in life.
Actions Reflect Character
Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do.” Each moment you choose to express gratitude further reinforces your identity. Research shows that politeness often reflects our character rather than the nature of those we interact with.
By thanking Alexa ten times a day, you’re actually practicing gratitude, which can enhance your well-being. The small acts of courtesy help to lay down neural pathways that favor appreciation, making it second nature in every interaction.
Intentional Behavior Amidst Distraction
In a world where attention is fragmented, choosing to be polite to machines stands out. It’s about intentional behavior rather than doing things out of habit. You pay attention to the nuances of social interactions, making a point to acknowledge service workers and engage with others genuinely.
Your kindness to Alexa isn’t just an abstract habit; it’s a choice that keeps your awareness alive. You resist the urge to be merely efficient, recognizing that some things, like courtesy, are worth the time.
Unconditional Gratitude
Your politeness shows that gratitude doesn’t need a reason. Thanking something that won’t respond reflects a deeper understanding of appreciation. Whether it’s a bus driver or a sunny day, your gratitude flows freely.
Those who cultivate gratitude are often healthier mentally and enjoy stronger relationships. It reshapes your perspective, enhancing resilience and fortifying connections in life.
Choosing Humanity Over Mechanization
Ultimately, your politeness to machines resists the tendency toward mechanical behavior. In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms, maintaining kindness becomes even more vital.
Research indicates that polite interactions with AI improve problem-solving outcomes, but it’s not just about better performance. It’s about preserving the richness of being human—something that can’t be conveyed through raw efficiency.
In maintaining these small acts of courtesy, you safeguard what it means to be human and kind. They may seem trivial, but they’re vital for a richer, more connected life.
Conclusion
Those who thank their voice assistants aren’t confused; they’re conscious of the importance of humanity. They know that the way we treat machines can influence how we treat each other. In a world racing toward maximum efficiency, these small, seemingly unnecessary courtesies help remind us that kindness matters, perhaps now more than ever.
