The company plans to phase out roles that AI can handle, drawing criticism online.
Duolingo has come under fire after CEO Luis von Ahn announced the company is transitioning to an ‘AI-first’ model, with plans to replace certain human roles with AI.
In a lengthy email and LinkedIn post, the CEO argued that AI is essential to scale content creation and build new features like video calls. He stated that relying on manual processes is unsustainable and that embracing AI now will help Duolingo stay competitive and better deliver on its educational mission.
The company’s plan includes phasing out contractors whose work can be automated and using AI proficiency as a factor in hiring and performance evaluations. Von Ahn acknowledged the changes would require rethinking workflows and, in some cases, rebuilding systems from scratch.
While he reassured employees that Duolingo still values its workforce and wants them focused on creative and meaningful tasks, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions online.
Some users welcomed the bold move, seeing it as a way to push the boundaries of AI and education. Others, however, expressed concern about job losses and the company’s shifting priorities.
Several users threatened to cancel subscriptions or uninstall the app, arguing that prioritising AI over people contradicts Duolingo’s claims of caring about employees.
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