Duolingo CEO Addresses Controversy Over AI Memo

Duolingo's AI Shift: Clarifying the Vision

Earlier this year, Luis von Ahn, the CEO of Duolingo, faced significant scrutiny following his announcement that Duolingo would prioritize an “AI-first” approach. He recently elaborated on this statement, indicating that a lack of sufficient explanation contributed to the negative reaction.

According to von Ahn, the internal response to this strategic shift was not contentious. However, as a publicly listed corporation, external perceptions often lean towards profit maximization or potential workforce reductions.

Addressing Concerns About Job Security

Von Ahn explicitly stated that Duolingo has not implemented any layoffs among its full-time staff and has no plans to do so. He acknowledged reductions in the contractor pool, but clarified that fluctuations in this workforce are typical and driven by project requirements.

The company’s contractor numbers have historically varied based on operational demands, and recent changes align with this established pattern.

Continued Optimism Regarding AI

Despite the initial backlash – which seemingly hasn't negatively affected Duolingo’s financial performance – von Ahn remains highly optimistic about the possibilities presented by AI.

Duolingo dedicates every Friday morning to allow its team to explore and experiment with AI technologies.

He jokingly referred to these experimental sessions as “f-r-A-I-days,” admitting difficulty in pronouncing the acronym.

We value your input! Help us improve our coverage by completing this survey and sharing your feedback. You'll also have a chance to win a prize.