Duolingo's AI Pivot Backfires: CEO's Damage Control Fails to Soothe Angry Users
Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn's announcement of an AI-first strategy, involving the dismissal of numerous contractors, sparked significant user backlash. His subsequent attempt at clarification on LinkedIn failed to address core concerns, further fueling the outrage. Von Ahn claimed AI will revolutionize workflows, necessitating proactive adaptation, contradicting his earlier emphasis on AI's vital role in Duolingo's growth. While denying plans to replace full-time employees, he overlooked the plight of contractors, highlighting Silicon Valley's common practice of using contract work to circumvent employee rights. The explanation ultimately failed to quell the anger, exposing growing tensions between tech companies and their users and raising ethical and social concerns surrounding AI implementation.