Duolingo, renowned for its engaging language-learning app, has recently faced backlash after CEO Luis von Ahn announced the company's full commitment to AI. This decision includes prioritizing AI expertise in hiring and evaluating employees based on their use of AI, alongside plans to replace certain contract workers. Longtime users reacted strongly on social media, with many deleting the app and abandoning multi-year streaks. The company's move to become 'AI-first' mirrors its earlier successful mobile-first strategy, though the immediate impact on user retention remains uncertain as tensions rise among loyal users.
In April, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn announced to employees that Duolingo would be going all-in on AI.
The memo was a called shot: Duolingo's leadership sees AI as a paradigm shift, similar to the adoption of mobile phones in the 2010s.
It was this statement that stuck in the craw of many users, and honestly surprised me when I read it.
Duolingo saw 103 million users a month in 2024. Now, it wants to go 'AI-first.'
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