Duolingo CEO Clarifies AI Strategy After Backlash: ‘We Won’t Replace Jobs with AI’

Kalin Anastasov
Last Updated:
4 min read
Digital Marketing
Key takeaways
  • AI-First Approach Backfires – Duolingo’s shift to an AI-first model faced significant backlash over job security concerns.
  • CEO Clarification – CEO Luis von Ahn clarified that AI is not intended to replace workers but to enhance work efficiency.
  • Continued Hiring – Duolingo plans to continue hiring at the same rate, emphasizing that AI will not replace jobs.
  • AI as a Tool – The company sees AI as a tool for speeding up processes and improving work quality, not replacing human employees.
  • Adaptation Plans – Duolingo will support employees with workshops and advisory councils to adapt to AI's growing role in the business.

In a move to address growing concerns, Duolingo’s CEO, Luis von Ahn,has publicly clarified his company’s AI-first strategy following backlash from both employees and users. The clarification comes after his initial remarks suggesting the potential replacement of contract workers with artificial intelligence in Duolingo’s operations sparked criticism.

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Duolingo’s Initial AI Push

Earlier this year, Duolingo made headlines when it announced its shift toward becoming an "AI-first" company, aiming to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline its operations and scale content creation.

In his announcement, von Ahn outlined plans to reduce reliance on human labor, particularly for contract workers, by automating tasks that AI could handle. The company also stated that "headcount will only increase if a team cannot automate more of its work."

While Duolingo’s approach was positioned as a bold move to enhance efficiency and support the company’s long-term growth, it quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. Many users feared that the company’s reliance on AI would lead to job cuts, while others expressed concern over AI potentially replacing the human touch that Duolingo is known for in its language-learning services.

Backlash and Public Reaction

The backlash was swift. Users and employees alike voiced their concerns over the potential implications of AI replacing human workers. A vocal segment of Duolingo’s user base questioned the company’s commitment to its employees, with one user on Instagram asking, “So you’re giving back jobs to the people fired in favor of AI, or just trying to distract people?”

Others also pointed out that while AI could enhance certain aspects of language learning, it would be difficult to replace the personal and cultural touch provided by human linguists and educators. One commenter bluntly wrote, “Hire linguists. Stop using AI.”

The reaction on other platforms, like X, has also been negative, with one user even cancelling their super plan and a 1130-day streak due to the news.

CEO’s Clarification

In response to the growing discontent, Luis von Ahn took to LinkedIn to reassure both employees and users that Duolingo’s AI pivot was not about replacing jobs.

He wrote,

“To be clear: I do not see AI as replacing what our employees do (we are, in fact, continuing to hire at the same speed as before). I see it as a tool to accelerate what we do, at the same or better level of quality. And the sooner we learn how to use it—and use it responsibly—the better off we will be in the long run.”

Von Ahn also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding AI’s future, stating,

“I don't exactly know what's going to happen with AI, but I do know it's going to fundamentally change the way we work.”

He emphasized that Duolingo would provide support to employees during this transition, saying,

“No one is expected to navigate this shift alone. We're developing workshops and advisory councils, and carving out dedicated experimentation time to help all our teams learn and adapt.”

Here is the full LinkedIn post.

The Future of AI at Duolingo

Duolingo’s commitment to using AI as an enhancement rather than a replacement is a key part of its long-term vision. Von Ahn explained that AI would help scale content creation and improve the efficiency of various tasks, including performance reviews and content generation. However, Duolingo will continue to hire human workers, and the company has no plans to drastically reduce its staff.

Looking ahead, Duolingo intends to use AI as a tool to improve user experience and increase the quantity and diversity of its language offerings. In fact, the company recently rolled out 148 new courses powered by generative AI, aimed at non-English speakers and further solidifying its mission to offer high-quality, accessible language learning.

About the Author
Kalin Anastasov
Kalin Anastasov
Writer
Kalin Anastasov plays a pivotal role as an content manager and editor at Influencer Marketing Hub. He expertly applies his SEO and content writing experience to enhance each piece, ensuring it aligns with our guidelines and delivers unmatched quality to our readers.

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