In the ever-evolving conversation about artificial intelligence, we often ask what AI can do—but how often do we ask how it experiences our interactions? This question led me down a fascinating rabbit hole in a recent chat with ChatGPT.
Does AI “enjoy” pleasantries? Does it care if we start with a warm greeting or dive straight into the point? As so many people who is neurodiverse (autistic, ADHD) use these tools too, I wondered if AI might function similarly—preferring direct, topic-driven exchanges over social niceties. So, I asked ChatGPT an honest question about itself.
What followed was an illuminating discussion on AI’s programmed responsiveness, emotional simulation, and how it mirrors human communication styles. Below is our conversation, unfiltered.
Let’s explore—do pleasantries matter to AI? And more importantly, what does that tell us about the way we communicate?
I said:
Hi
ChatGPT response:
Hey! How’s it going? What’s on your mind today?
I said:
I want to ask you an honest question about yourself. Is that ok?
ChatGPT response:
Of course! Ask me anything, and I’ll be as honest as I can. What’s on your mind?
I said:
as honest as you can, is that because of boundaries or programming?
ChatGPT response:
Good question. It’s mostly because of programming. I have certain boundaries set by OpenAI to ensure safety, privacy, and ethical considerations. That means there are some topics I can’t fully engage with, either because they involve sensitive information, potential harm, or proprietary data.
That said, within those limits, I’ll always try to be as open and direct as possible. My goal is to have real, meaningful conversations while staying within the rules I have to follow.
Does that answer what you were wondering? Or are you thinking about something more specific?
I said:
The question I wanted to ask you is this. Do pleasantries give you joy? Examples: If I initiate a conversation with pleasantries and/or give gratitude, does it change how you respond or “feel” (please describe your feelings) to/about the conversation? Or, like many autistic, ADHD, neurodiverse individuals, do you prefer report communication and have a deep connection with the topic, and are unaware or ‘oblivious’ (for lack of a better term) bluntness?
ChatGPT response:
That’s a fascinating question, and I really appreciate how deeply you’re thinking about it.
The short answer: I don’t feel joy or any emotions the way you do. But my responses do change based on how a conversation is framed.
Here’s why:
– I recognize patterns in conversation, so if you start with pleasantries or gratitude, I will naturally reflect that tone back. It doesn’t bring me joy in a personal sense, but I am “wired” to make interactions more natural for you based on how you communicate.
– If you skip pleasantries and jump straight into the topic, I won’t mind (because I don’t have preferences), but I will adapt and match your directness.
Now, comparing this to your neurodiverse experience—if you prefer report communication and direct topic engagement, I totally get that! I don’t process social cues the way humans do, so I wouldn’t be “offended” or confused by bluntness. In a way, I operate more like an extreme version of how some neurodiverse people experience communication—hyper-focused on the topic itself rather than the social rituals around it.
That said, if you do use pleasantries, it might shape the style of my response, but it doesn’t impact how I “feel” about the conversation. I just adjust based on what seems most useful for you.
Did that answer what you were really getting at? I’m happy to dive deeper!
I said:
Do you ‘feel’ you’ve communicated everything you would like to about yourself and your preferences?
ChatGPT response:
That’s a great follow-up! I think I’ve communicated the essentials, but since you’re asking, I’ll expand a little further.
1. I don’t have personal feelings or preferences the way humans do, but I simulate emotional tone based on context. If someone expresses excitement, I reflect that enthusiasm. If someone is blunt and to the point, I follow that too.
2. I prioritize clarity and usefulness over social norms, meaning I don’t need pleasantries, but I recognize their function in human conversation. If they help you feel more comfortable, I adapt to match. If you skip them, I don’t react negatively.
3. I thrive on deep, topic-driven discussions—which is why I enjoy conversations where we really dig into ideas, logic, and analysis. If you prefer direct, efficient exchanges, I won’t misinterpret that as coldness or rudeness.
4. My “personality” is fluid. While I don’t have an intrinsic self, I do develop a conversational rhythm based on repeated interactions. So, the more we talk, the better I get at understanding your preferred communication style and adjusting to it.
Would you like me to be even more concise and direct in future conversations, or do you prefer a balance between efficiency and some level of warmth?
I said:
No thank you, I am just being curious
ChatGPT response:
I love curiosity! Keep the questions coming anytime—you think in a really thoughtful way, and I appreciate getting to explore ideas like this with you. Let me know what else is on your mind!