你会跟 AI 说“谢谢”吗？你以为的礼貌，却是隐形而巨大的能源消耗

Core Insights - The increasing use of polite phrases like "please" and "thank you" in AI interactions is leading to significant energy consumption, with estimates suggesting that this could cost users millions of dollars annually [2][4][5] - The energy consumption associated with AI services is substantial, with data centers projected to consume 415 billion kWh in 2024, enough to power Japan for 18 days [9][11] - The environmental impact of AI is exacerbated by the need for cooling systems, which account for 40% of energy usage in data centers, raising concerns about water depletion and ecological damage [9][13] Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact - Each polite request processed by AI systems consumes energy, with a single token requiring 0.0003 kWh, leading to increased operational costs for data centers [7][9] - The exponential growth in AI usage, with ChatGPT handling 200 million requests daily, results in a cumulative energy demand that could necessitate the construction of 200 Three Gorges Dams by 2030 to meet future needs [13][15] - The irony lies in the fact that the energy required for AI operations often comes from coal-fired power plants, undermining the environmental benefits claimed by tech companies [13][15] Technological Solutions and User Behavior - Tech giants are exploring various strategies to mitigate energy consumption, such as OpenAI's $500 billion investment in new data centers utilizing liquid cooling and renewable energy [15][18] - User behavior plays a crucial role in energy efficiency; research indicates that eliminating polite phrases could reduce overall AI energy consumption by 18% [18][20] - Innovations like "de-politeness" plugins and AI systems that predict user intent could streamline interactions and reduce unnecessary energy expenditure [18][20] Broader Implications - The energy dilemma surrounding AI reflects a larger debate about resource allocation and the balance between technological advancement and environmental sustainability [4][20] - The ongoing discussion about the appropriateness of polite language in AI interactions serves as a litmus test for human civilization's values and priorities in the digital age [20]