Duolingo to Replace Human Contractors With Bots, Become ‘AI-First’

CEO Luis von Ahn said Duolingo “cares deeply about its employees” and the changes aren’t “about replacing Duos with AI.”

Duolingo has just validated fears about artificial intelligence taking jobs, announcing it will replace contracted employees with bots. A note from CEO Luis von Ahn said the company will become “AI-first” and, as part of this, will “gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle.”

Hiring at the popular language learning app may slow, as von Ahn said that “headcount will only be given if a team cannot automate more of their work.” Duolingo is also incentivising AI use, announcing that it will be considered in performance reviews and sought out when recruiting.

Duolingo’s CEO insisted his firm “cares deeply about its employees” and the changes aren’t “about replacing Duos with AI.” He has also committed to providing said Duos with training, mentorship, and ...