I’ve been thanking AI assistants since it first appeared on my iPhone, and I quietly thank my computer when it behaves the way it’s supposed to.

The more I learn about autism, the more I wonder if this is part of it — treating non-human things with kindness because my brain naturally extends feelings and empathy outward.

I don’t really see a downside to it, other than occasionally sounding ridiculous while thanking technology for loading a webpage correctly.

Maybe it’s an autistic thing, maybe it’s a Canadian thing, or maybe I just like moving through the world a little more gently.

Either way, if the robots ever rise up, I feel like my chances are pretty solid.