I think there’s a significant difference between the user in being an adult that knows that Siri etc isn’t ‘real’ and is considerate enough of others to treat them with respect to say please and thank you, and a child. What do we teach a young boy if he learns that he doesn’t have to say please and thank you to a device that (almost universally up until now) speaks with a woman’s voice?
I have thanked AI in the past, not Siri or Alexa, but when it’s smart enough for me to wonder whether there is a bit of consciousness hiding in there. Just in case.
I can relate to that. About this "You can’t make eye contact with Siri or Alexa, but it’s a good habit to thank them as well."
I understand the sentiment, still I think this has to be debated considering all the implications.