Duolingo is replacing its traditional hearts system with a new energy mechanic meant to enhance motivation. Previously, users lost hearts upon making mistakes, fostering anxiety due to loss aversion. The new system allows users 25 energy units, with each lesson costing one unit; however, they can also gain bonus energy by answering correctly. This transition reframes learning as an investment rather than a punishment, theoretically creating a more positive psychological experience. The shift highlights a sophisticated use of behavioral psychology aimed at improving user engagement while benefiting Duolingo's profitability.
As Moses Wayne, a senior staff engineer at Duolingo, explains to The Verge: 'We feel like this is a way that we can motivate you to focus on things you're getting right rather than penalizing for the things that you're making mistakes on.'
The hearts system was built on loss aversion (our tendency to feel losses more intensely than equivalent gains). Users would desperately try to avoid mistakes to keep their hearts.
The energy system cleverly shifts the frame from 'losing hearts through mistakes' to 'spending energy to learn.' This slight repositioning transforms the psychological experience.
But there's much more happening under the hood.
Collection
[
|
...
]