#Politeness

A parent’s blunt confession—my kids swear and don’t say please or thank you, and I don’t care—has sparked a broader conversation about what actually shapes children’s social belonging and moral development. In recent studies and discussions, researchers are shifting away from a single-rules approach to politeness toward a richer picture: warmth, empathy, and real-time social skills may matter far more for healthy peer relationships than whether a child dutifully utters “please” and “thank you” every time. For Thai families balancing tradition with modern life, these ideas arrive with practical implications for parenting, classrooms, and community values.

A shift is underway in Thailand as traditional politeness rituals, once embraced by older generations, are increasingly seen as passive-aggressive by younger people. In a fast-changing society—where work culture, family dynamics, and online communication evolve rapidly—Thai readers benefit from a clearer, more balanced view of these intergenerational tensions. Recent observations and research highlight how everyday manners can either foster harmony or spark friction across ages.

According to insights from a respected health and culture publication, seven common politeness habits—meant to be respectful—sometimes come across as controlling or judgmental to millennials and Gen Z. The discussion mirrors broader global findings and resonates with Thai family life, where modernization and diverse values prompt a broader dialogue about etiquette, authority, and emotional intelligence. Research by reputable institutions suggests that how we speak about upbringing and social expectations can influence how others perceive us, especially in a digital-first society.

A new wave of research and social commentary is shedding light on how traditional gestures of politeness, once widely accepted among baby boomers, are increasingly being interpreted as passive-aggressive by younger generations. As Thailand navigates historic shifts in workplace culture, family dynamics, and digital communication, understanding these nuanced generational differences has become essential for harmonious intergenerational interaction and mental well-being.

In a recent article published by VegOut Magazine, social observer and former corporate insider examines seven common habits that, while intended to be respectful, often come across as controlling or judgmental to millennials and Gen Z. These findings echo similar trends emerging from global workplace studies and Thai family life, where rapid modernization and exposure to diverse cultural values have provoked a broader discussion about the role of etiquette, authority, and emotional intelligence across age groups (VegOut Magazine).

Recent research from an Arizona State University computer science expert has sparked new discussion over the hidden costs of interacting politely with artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT—raising questions that resonate beyond the United States, especially as Thailand increasingly embraces AI technologies in education, customer service, and public administration. According to an associate professor at the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence at Arizona State University, every seemingly simple interaction with a chatbot—whether it involves typing “please,” “thank you,” or engaging in more elaborate exchanges—triggers complex computations within vast neural networks, consuming significant resources and energy (KTAR News).

Recent research from a computer science expert at Arizona State University highlights a surprising fact: polite interactions with AI chatbots consume real resources. This insight matters beyond the United States as Thailand expands AI in education, customer service, and public administration. The researcher explains that even simple prompts—such as “please” or “thank you”—trigger complex computations in large neural networks, driving energy use and environmental impact. The finding comes as global tech leaders stress the need for sustainable AI practices.