Duolingo Lays off 10% of its Contract Workers as the Company Puts More Faith in AI
Language-learning software giant Duolingo has announced a 10% reduction in its contractor workforce, signalling a shift towards increased integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in its operations. According to a Duolingo spokesperson, the decision to “offboard” a portion of its contractors is attributed to the company’s evolving needs, with AI playing a role in optimizing certain tasks.
While Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn highlighted the advantages of generative AI in a shareholder letter, emphasizing its ability to expedite content creation, the spokesperson clarified that the reduction in contractors isn’t a direct replacement by AI. Instead, it reflects the optimization and restructuring of certain tasks, allowing the company to leverage AI-driven efficiencies.
Duolingo has actively embraced AI in various aspects of its platform, including the incorporation of AI-generated voices and features in its language-learning app. The $30 per month Duolingo Max plan, launched in 2023, leverages GPT-4-powered capabilities, offering users insights into correct or incorrect answers and diverse language practice scenarios.
The spokesperson emphasized that full-time employees have not been affected by the reductions and highlighted that both staff and contractors at Duolingo utilize AI tools as integral components of their roles.
While Duolingo downplays AI as a direct replacement for workers, this move aligns with a broader trend where companies, globally, are integrating AI to streamline operations. The spokesperson’s comments echo a nuanced approach, emphasizing the collaborative role of AI alongside human contributors.
This development is part of a larger narrative in the tech industry, with other companies worldwide leveraging AI to automate certain tasks. The shift towards automation, as seen in the replacement of external copywriters and graphic designers by a Chinese firm, aligns with predictions that generative AI could impact millions of jobs globally. As companies navigate this transformative landscape, Duolingo’s strategic adjustment underscores the ongoing evolution of the workforce in the era of artificial intelligence.
