Duolingo bets on AI: between innovation and job cuts 🤖

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The American company known for online language learning is making a major strategic shift. Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn has announced a reorganization centered around artificial intelligence. This reform involves the gradual elimination of contract-based positions. While the decision aims to optimize the production of educational content, it also raises concerns about the future of workers in the age of automated tools.

Artificial Intelligence at the Core of the Strategy 🧠

In a letter to his team, Luis von Ahn defends the use of AI, which he sees as a vital tool for expanding access to learning. According to him, artificial intelligence enables the creation of educational content at a speed and scale that are impossible to achieve manually. The goal is clear: to accelerate content production while maintaining high-quality standards.

This technological shift also paves the way for new features, including AI-powered video calls to improve speaking skills. Duolingo aims to stay at the forefront of educational innovation while reducing its reliance on manual processes considered too slow and costly.

Fewer Contractors and AI-Screened Hiring ⚙️

But this transition comes with human consequences. The CEO acknowledges that Duolingo will « gradually reduce reliance on contractors » for tasks that can be automated. In other words, positions that are easily replaceable by AI are likely to disappear in favor of a more autonomous system.

Technology will also directly influence recruitment processes. In the future, only roles that cannot be automated will justify new hires. Artificial intelligence will even become part of the evaluation criteria for candidates and employees, following a logic of optimized efficiency.

A Strategic Shift in Line with Global Trends 🌍

Luis von Ahn is careful to emphasize that the company will continue to value human work and creativity. He says he has no intention of « replacing Duos with AI, » but rather freeing up internal talent from repetitive tasks to focus on higher-value missions.

Duolingo is not alone in this strategic direction. Other companies such as Klarna and Shopify are taking similar approaches. Automation is becoming a necessary condition for continued innovation in an increasingly competitive economic environment

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