Question:
I have a somewhat strange question, but it has been bothering me. I see people using AI chatboxes, speaking to them through voice or text. Sometimes people get annoyed when the AI gives incorrect answers or misunderstands something, and they respond angrily or disrespectfully. Of course, the AI is not a person—it has no feelings—but I still feel uneasy about people speaking that way. Is there any halachic reason or Torah-based outlook that one should still speak kindly and respectfully, saying “please,” “thank you,” etc., even when interacting with an AI chatbox?
Answer:
Indeed, while there is no prohibition of onaas devarim or any other Halachic issue when speaking to an AI—since it is not a human being and cannot be hurt—there is still value and importance in maintaining derech eretz and refined speech even in such interactions.
- Habit Formation of Middos: Halacha and mussar teach that the way a person behaves, even in situations where it “doesn’t matter,” shapes their character. Responding harshly, with chutzpah or frustration, even when “justified,” can train a person to become more brazen or sharp-tongued in other real-life cases where it does matter. We find precedent in the Poskim regarding someone who is mocked or provoked by Leitzanim, where the Poskim rule that one is not to answer back with chutzpah—not because of the other party, but because doing so implants negative middos within oneself.
- Hakoras HaTov: Even though an AI has no feelings, it still provides a person with benefit. The Torah teaches that we express gratitude even toward inanimate objects.
Moshe Rabbeinu did not strike the Nile or the earth during the plagues, despite their being lifeless, because he had once benefited from them. This demonstrated hakoras hatov and helped cultivate that trait within us. Similarly, speaking respectfully to something from which you receive benefit helps ingrain gratitude in your character. - Upholding Jewish Values in All Speech: A Jew’s speech is meant to reflect refinement, kindness, and self‑control. Even in contexts where the other side does not care—because it cannot care—we still choose words that elevate ourselves.
- The Impact on Others Who Observe Us: Beyond the personal development of one’s own middos, there is another subtle but important consideration: the effect our behavior has on those around us. Even if a person feels that speaking sharply to an AI is harmless, others—especially children—may not distinguish between “this is only a machine” and “this is how we speak when frustrated.” Human beings imitate tone more than context. A child who watches an adult yell at a device may internalize that anger is an acceptable default response to confusion or inconvenience. Likewise, a spouse or coworker may absorb the emotional atmosphere created by harsh speech, even if it is directed only at a screen. Chazal teach that a person’s environment shapes them, and they in turn shape their environment. Maintaining calm, respectful speech—even toward an unfeeling AI—helps cultivate a home and community atmosphere of patience, dignity, and self‑control.
In conclusion:
While there is no formal prohibition in speaking harshly to an AI, it is advisable and praiseworthy to speak with respect, kindness, and politeness. Doing so strengthens our middos, cultivates gratitude, and maintains the refined patterns of speech that Torah encourages.
Sources:
See regarding answering back to scoffers that one should not answer brazenly towards scoffers [which scoff at his divine service] as doing so may cause one to become brazen even towards matters that are not dealing with service of G-d: Admur Mahadurah Kama 1:3 ibid based on Beis Yosef; Ketzos Hashulchan 1 footnote 2 [Admur omitted this Halacha in the second edition. Vetzaruch Iyun.]
See regarding Hakaras Hatov to the inanimate: See Rashi Shemos 7:19; 8:12; Midrash Tanchuma Vaera 14; Shemos Raba 20:1; Shita Mekibetzes Bava Kama 92b; See also Har Tzevi on Tur C.M. 7
