According to Charleston Gazette-Mail, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday life has sparked debates about the potential degradation of basic communication skills and etiquette. The article explores whether technology, particularly AI and social media, contributes to a decline in societal politeness. In corporate settings, this is a common concern with trainers noting a shift from face-to-face communication to digital interactions that can lack courtesy.

The conversation extends to the business world, where there's a growing recognition of the importance of soft skills, such as good manners, in complementing the analytical capabilities of AI. A referenced column from The Economist suggests that as AI handles more analytical tasks, the value of soft skills will rise, becoming crucial for effective leadership.

Interestingly, research indicates that using polite prompts when interacting with AI can lead to better performance. A study highlighted in Microsoft's Worklab Newsletter found that polite language could influence the outputs of AI systems like chatbots. Designer Kurtis Beavers noted that while AI doesn't experience gratitude, polite interactions create a respectful and collaborative tone, which can enhance AI's responses.

The article also discusses findings from a study across China, Japan, and Britain, revealing that rude prompts can lead AI chatbots to provide less accurate information. While AI lacks emotions, basic etiquette seems to improve the quality of interactions, much like it does in human communications. Pam Harvit, the article's author, emphasizes that maintaining politeness with AI is not only beneficial for machines but can also enhance human interactions, underscoring the enduring value of good manners in technology-driven environments.