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What's The Duolingo 'AI-First' Controversy? The CEO's Pro-AI Message And The Online Backlash Explained

  • Duolingo's CEO Luis von Ahn announced in early May 2025 that the company is adopting an AI-first strategy, replacing contractors with AI.
  • This change follows prior layoffs where Duolingo cut about 10% of its contractors, mostly translators and writers, starting at the end of 2023.
  • The shift aims to scale content creation globally and speed course production, with AI generating translations, vocabulary, cultural tips, and user-specific lessons.
  • A viral TikTok video sparked widespread backlash from users and contractors, who criticized the AI approach and led to significant negative social media reactions.
  • Experts view Duolingo's move as part of a broader tech industry trend toward reducing human roles for efficiency, raising concerns about creative job losses and labor cost cuts.
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Techmeme broke the news in California, United States on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
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