What in the World Help! My friend won’t stop using AI
Jun 23, 2025
Liv McMahon, a BBC Tech reporter, dives into the rising reliance on AI chatbots and the implications for our communication and learning. She debunks myths about AI consciousness while highlighting the environmental costs of these technologies. Plus, she discusses the effects of politeness on AI interactions and the importance of digital literacy. Alongside AI expert Antonio Weiss, they share practical tips for maximizing AI use, all while cautioning against over-dependence and the need to preserve human connections.
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AI Queries Have Variable Environmental Impact
- The environmental impact of AI queries varies widely depending on the query and server location.
- AI chatbots generally use more water than average Google searches due to higher computing demands.
Politeness Has A Hidden Cost
- Saying "please" and "thank you" to chatbots costs companies millions due to computing power usage.
- Experts worry that being rude to chatbots might negatively influence social behavior.
AI Answers Are Less Reliable
- AI responses often provide ready-made answers but can "hallucinate" or fabricate information.
- Google searches still offer broader, curated results promoting digital literacy compared to AI chatbots.