Do rude prompts really get better answers? Short answer: sometimes. A 2025 arXiv study tested 50 questions rewritten in five tones and found that rude prompts slightly outperformed polite ones with ChatGPT-4o. Accuracy rose from 80.8% for very polite to 84.8% for very rude. The sample was small, yet the pattern was clear.

But not so fast, this story has layers. A 2024 study that looked at multiple languages painted a different picture. It found that impolite prompts often lowered performance, and that the “best” level of politeness changed depending on the language. In other words, the details really matter.

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Rude prompts made ChatGPT more accurate. Polite ones scored lower. Tone changed the outcome. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why tone might change outcomes

Large Language Models (LLMs) tend to mirror the wording they receive. When you sound direct or even a little blunt, you often give clearer instructions. That helps cut down on confusion and pushes the model to deliver sharper, more focused answers. A 2025 paper published on arXiv found that tone alone can shift accuracy by a few points, although more research is needed to confirm those results.

In an earlier study led by researchers from Waseda University and RIKEN AIP, the team compared English, Chinese and Japanese prompts. They discovered that the ideal level of politeness varied by language, showing how cultural norms shape the way AI interprets human requests. In short, what works in one language might not land the same way in another.

Americans split on whether to be polite to AI chatbots

Nearly half of Americans say people should be polite to AI chatbots, according to an April 30, 2025, YouGov survey. Many users do it out of habit or courtesy. Microsoft’s design leaders even recommend basic etiquette with Copilot. “Using polite language sets a tone for the response,” says Kurtis Beavers. Models tend to mirror the professionalism and clarity of your prompt.

A blunt prompt can sharpen results. Direct words help AI focus. Clear beats kind here. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Yes, niceties have a cost

Good manners may be polite, but they are not free. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that people saying “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT costs the company millions of dollars each year. Every extra word adds tokens for the model to process, and those tokens require computing power and electricity.

For a single user, that cost is tiny and hardly noticeable. Yet when millions of users do it all day, those small gestures turn into a major expense. In the end, even kindness comes with a price tag.

CHATGPT MAY ALERT POLICE ON SUICIDAL TEENS

How to prompt for accuracy without being a jerk

Getting better answers from ChatGPT is not about yelling at it. It is about being clear and confident. Here is how to do that without crossing the line.

• Start with the goal. Tell the model what you want right away. Include the format and any limits up front so it knows where to focus.
• Get specific. Use numbers instead of vague words. “Write three bullet points” works better than “Write a few ideas.”
• Add a check. Ask it to review its own steps or measure its answer against a simple checklist. That keeps things on track.
• Keep your tone firm but calm. You can be direct without being rude. Short, clear sentences usually get the best results.
• Experiment a little. Try one neutral prompt, one polite version, and one more direct. Compare the results and see which one performs best for your task.

The point is not to be nice or nasty. It is to be clear, consistent and deliberate about what you ask. That is how you get smarter answers every time.

Researchers tested three languages. Each reacted differently to politeness. Culture shaped every reply. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Rude prompts and ChatGPT accuracy in practice

Here’s where things get interesting. If you’re writing math problems, multiple-choice questions or coding tasks, a short, no-nonsense tone might actually help. The 2025 study showed that when users dropped the polite fluff and went straight to the point, ChatGPT’s accuracy ticked upward.

Still, don’t expect miracles. The difference wasn’t huge; think a few percentage points, not a full upgrade. Rude or direct prompts can sharpen a model’s focus, but they won’t suddenly turn an average prompt into a perfect one. The trick is to treat tone as just one lever in your prompt-engineering toolbox. Clarity, structure, and context matter more than attitude.

So, how should you use this in real life?

The findings might sound odd, but they offer a clear takeaway for anyone who uses AI tools daily. Here’s how to put them into practice.

• Chase clarity, not cruelty. Be firm and specific. You can sound confident without sounding cranky.
• Read the room or the language. What’s “direct” in English might come across as rude in Japanese or overly blunt in Chinese. Culture shapes how tone lands.
• Mind your tokens. Every “please” and “thank you” costs a little extra computer power, and when millions of people do it, that adds up fast. Altman wasn’t joking about the price of politeness.
• Keep experimenting. Your best tone depends on your data, domain and goals. Try a few versions, track the results, and see what works best.

In short, it’s not about being rude for the sake of it. It’s about being precise, purposeful and efficient, qualities that both humans and machines respond to.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

In the end, tone really does make a difference, but it is not the whole story. Being a little blunt can sometimes help a chatbot focus better, yet clarity and structure still matter most. Think of tone as the seasoning on a meal, not the main course. The real secret is this: good prompts are clear, confident and purposeful. Whether you choose a polite tone or a more direct one, what matters is explaining exactly what you need. That is how you get consistent, high-quality answers without resorting to rudeness. So before you send your next question, ask yourself this: Are you being too polite to get results, or just polite enough to be understood?

If being a little rude buys a few points of accuracy, would you trade etiquette for outcomes on your next prompt? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact

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Millions of private messages meant to stay secret are now public. Two AI companion apps, Chattee Chat and GiMe Chat, have exposed more than 43 million intimate messages and over 600,000 images and videos after a major data leak discovered by Cybernews, a leading cybersecurity research group known for uncovering major data breaches and privacy risks worldwide. The exposure revealed just how vulnerable you can be when you trust AI companions with deeply personal interactions.

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Users have experienced a massive leak, exposing millions of private AI chat messages.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Massive data breach exposes AI chat users

On August 28, 2025, Cybernews researchers discovered that the Hong Kong-based developer Imagime Interactive Limited had left an entire Kafka Broker server open to the public without any security protection. This unsecured system streamed real-time chats between users and their AI companions. It contained links to personal photos, videos, and AI-generated images. In total, the exposed data involved 400,000 users across iOS and Android devices. Researchers described the content as “virtually not safe for work” and said the leak exposes a deep gap between user trust and developer responsibility.

DISCORD CONFIRMS VENDOR BREACH EXPOSED USER IDS IN RANSOM PLOT

iPhone and Android users’ private data was found to be streamed on an open server. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Who was exposed in the AI leak

Most affected users came from the United States. About two-thirds of the data belonged to iOS users, while the remaining third came from Android devices. Although the leak did not include full names or email addresses, it did expose IP addresses and unique device identifiers. This information can still be used to track and identify individuals through other databases. Cybernews found that users sent an average of 107 messages to their AI partners, creating a digital footprint that could be exploited for identity theft, harassment, or blackmail.

AI secrets and spending habits revealed

Purchase logs revealed that some users spent as much as $18,000 to chat with their AI girlfriends. The developer likely earned over $1 million before the breach was uncovered. Although the company’s privacy policy claimed that user security was “of paramount importance,” Cybernews found no authentication or access controls on the server. Anyone with a simple link could view private exchanges, photos, and videos. This lack of protection shows just how fragile digital intimacy can be when developers ignore basic safeguards.

Experts warn scams, blackmail, and identity theft can be a result of the leak. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How Cybernews discovered and closed the leak

Cybernews quickly reported the problem to Imagime Interactive Limited. The exposed server was finally taken offline in mid-September after appearing on public IoT search engines, where hackers could easily find it. Experts are still unsure whether cybercriminals accessed the data before it was removed. However, the threat remains. Leaked conversations and photos can fuel sextortion scams, phishing attacks, and serious reputation damage.

HACKER EXPLOITS AI CHATBOT IN CYBERCRIME SPREE

Tips to stay safe from AI data leaks

Even if you never used an AI girlfriend app, this case is a clear reminder to protect your privacy online.

1) Think before you share

Avoid sending personal or sensitive content to AI chat apps. Once shared, you lose control of it.

2) Use reputable AI tools

Choose apps with transparent privacy policies and proven security records.

3) Remove your data online

Use a data removal service to wipe personal information from public databases. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy.  These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites.  It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com

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4) Strengthen your cybersecurity with strong antivirus software 

Install strong antivirus software to block scams and detect potential intrusions. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com

5) Protect your accounts with a password manager and MFA

Use a password manager and enable multi-factor authentication to keep hackers out.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see CyberGuy.com) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. 

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at CyberGuy.com

What this means for you

AI chat apps often feel safe and personal, but they store enormous amounts of sensitive data. When that data leaks, it can lead to blackmail, impersonation, or public embarrassment. Before trusting any AI service, check whether it uses secure encryption, access controls, and transparent privacy terms. If a company makes big promises about security but fails to protect your data, it is not worth the risk.

Kurt’s key takeaways

This leak exposes how unprepared many developers are to protect the private data of people using AI chat apps. The growing AI companion industry needs stronger security standards and more accountability to prevent these privacy disasters. Cybersecurity awareness is the first step. Knowing how your data moves and who controls it can help you stay safe before another leak puts your personal life online.

Would you still confide in an AI companion if you knew anyone could read what you shared? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com

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Instagram is turning up the parental controls. The app will now treat teen accounts more like a PG-13 movie, automatically filtering out mature or risky content for anyone under 18. That means teens will no longer see posts, videos, or search results that fall outside the “movie-style” PG-13 zone, unless their parents approve a looser setting.

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Instagram’s new teen settings allow for limited content for those under 18. (Meta)

How Instagram’s new age filter protects teens

This update places all users under 18 into a 13+ content setting that blocks sexually suggestive material, graphic images, and adult topics like alcohol or tobacco. Instagram says it wants the platform to feel as safe as what teens might see in a PG-13 film. While some mild language or edgy humor might still appear, the company promises to keep those cases rare. The goal is to make scrolling less risky and much more age-appropriate.

A new stricter mode for parents

For families who want even tighter boundaries, Instagram is launching a Limited Content setting. This stricter mode removes comments entirely, filters more mature material, and limits what teens can see or post. Starting next year, this mode will even restrict what AI chatbots can say to teens, keeping conversations within PG-13 limits.

Instagram can now block accounts and posts at the discretion of parents in Instagram’s Family Center.  (Meta)

What Instagram’s PG-13 filters now block

Instagram’s new protections will automatically:

• Prevent teens from following or messaging accounts that post adult or inappropriate content.
• Block search results for topics like alcohol, gore, or dangerous stunts, even when misspelled.
• Hide mature content from Explore, Reels, and Stories recommendations.
• Block links to adult material sent through DMs.

Even Instagram’s AI features will now follow these same PG-13 guidelines, ensuring age-appropriate responses.

Due to the decision of the parents, teens can have higher restrictions on the Instagram app, especially under 16.  (Meta)

How parents helped shape Instagram’s changes

Meta says it invited thousands of parents around the world to review real Instagram posts and rate them for age appropriateness. More than 3 million parent ratings helped define the new guidelines. According to Meta, 95% of U.S. parents said the new settings are helpful, and 90% said they make Instagram easier to understand.

How to update Instagram for Parental Controls on iPhone and Android

To ensure you have the latest Instagram features and parental controls, follow these steps to update the app on iPhone and Android:

Steps to update Instagram on iPhone

• Open the App Store on your iPhone and tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
• Scroll down to see a list of available updates, then find Instagram and tap “Update”.
• If you don’t see Instagram in the list, it means the app is already up to date.

Steps to update Instagram on Android

Settings might differ depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

• Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
• Select “Manage apps & device,” then tap “Updates available.”
• Find Instagram in the list and tap “Update” next to it.
• If Instagram does not appear, your app is already running the latest version.

Keeping Instagram updated on both devices ensures all settings and parental controls function correctly and new supervision features are available. Note: updates to the Instagram app often include changes to settings and parental controls, so it’s essential to keep both accounts up to date for the best supervision experience.

Safety tips for parents on Instagram

Keeping your teen safe online starts with knowing where to look in the app. Here are simple steps every parent can take right now to set boundaries and strengthen their teen’s safety on Instagram.

1) Make every social account private

Go to your teen’s Instagram profile, tap the three lines in the upper-right corner, and select Settings and privacy → Account privacy. Turn on Private account so only approved followers can see their posts and stories. This blocks strangers and reduces exposure to unwanted contact.

2) Review your teen’s Instagram safety settings

• Open your teen’s Instagram app and tap their profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
• Next, tap the three lines in the top-right and choose Settings and privacy.
• Select Supervision / Family Center, then tap Content settings.

Instagram now places all users under 18 in a PG-13 content filter by default, automatically limiting sexually suggestive, violent, or other mature material.

If you prefer stricter controls, switch to Limited Content. Both options appear under “Content settings,” and your teen will need your approval to make major changes once supervision is linked.

3) Activate Instagram’s parental supervision tools

In the same Settings and privacy → Supervision / Family Center section, you can invite your teen to link accounts.
Once both sides agree, you’ll be able to:

• Set daily time limits or schedule quiet hours.
• See who they follow and who follows them.
• Review privacy and safety settings like who can message or tag them.
• Approve or deny changes your teen requests to loosen restrictions.

Instagram doesn’t allow parents to read direct messages, and starting November 2025, supervision will no longer extend to a teen’s Threads profile. Still, you can view activity summaries, confirm account-level safety options, and get notifications about changes your teen makes.

4) Use Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link

These tools let you manage device-wide limits, not just Instagram. You can block apps at bedtime, monitor usage, and restrict downloads of new apps.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings → Screen Time
• On Android: Download Google Family Link from the Play Store

5) Clean up their digital footprint

Teens often don’t realize how much personal information is public. Help them search their name on Google and remove any exposed info from people search sites and data brokers. You can do it manually or use a data removal service to handle it automatically. 

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy.  These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites.  It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com

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6) Understand Instagram’s age-based protections

Teens under 16 automatically receive the strictest protections. Their content settings can’t be loosened without parental consent. Ages 16-17 default to PG-13 filtering but can request changes that parents approve through the Family Center. These new rules are designed to make Instagram feel more like a PG-13-rated environment for minors.

7) Keep phones out of bedrooms at night

Late-night scrolling can lead to sleep loss and unsupervised interactions. Set a family rule to charge phones in a common area before bedtime. It improves rest and reduces exposure to potentially harmful content.

8) Talk openly to your teens

Start a conversation with your teen about what they see online. Ask what kind of content shows up in their feed and how it makes them feel. Explain that they can come to you if they ever see something uncomfortable or confusing. Open communication helps them make smarter choices and builds trust. 

9) Flag content and report to Instagram

If you come across a post that feels inappropriate for teens, tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the post and select Report. Choose Something else, then follow the prompts to explain why it should be hidden from teen accounts. Instagram reviews these reports and will let you know what action they take.

Users are able to report any posts or accounts by selecting the three dots and “Report.” 

When Instagram’s new PG-13 limits will roll out

Instagram says these updates are already starting to roll out to teen accounts in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada. The company plans to complete the rollout by the end of the year, with global expansion coming soon after. Meta also plans to bring similar protections to Facebook teen accounts next year.

What this means for you

This update represents one of Instagram’s biggest safety moves yet. With Hollywood-style content ratings, new parental controls, and stronger AI filters, teens are getting a safer online experience by default. Still, no filter can catch everything, which is why parent involvement remains the most powerful safety tool.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Instagram’s new PG-13 rules could change how all social media platforms handle teen safety. By using a movie-style rating system, Instagram is making it easier for parents to understand what their kids might see online. It’s a bold move and one that tries to strike a balance between giving teens freedom to explore and protecting them from the darker side of the internet.

Do you think social media should adopt movie-style ratings, or is Instagram going too far with its PG-13 limits? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com

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