Duolingo Cuts Jobs, Embraces AI
Language learning platform Duolingo has recently highlighted its shift towards becoming an "AI-first" company, announcing plans to increasingly use artificial intelligence, partly replacing the work previously done by human contractors. This strategic move has sparked discussion about the real-world impact of AI on employment.
Duolingo's Shift to AI
In late April 2025, Duolingo unveiled numerous courses developed using AI technology, following earlier statements about leveraging AI over contractors. However, journalist Brian Merchant suggests this isn't a sudden change. He points out that Duolingo reduced its contractor workforce by about 10% at the end of 2023, and reportedly made further cuts in October 2024, replacing roles in translation and content creation with AI-driven solutions.
The "AI Jobs Crisis" Discussion
Merchant frames these developments as evidence that an "AI jobs crisis" is already underway. He argues that this situation isn't about futuristic robot takeovers but rather a series of current management decisions aimed at reducing labor costs and increasing organizational control, often presented under the banner of AI innovation.
This perspective aligns with broader economic observations, such as reports cited in The Atlantic regarding higher unemployment rates among recent college graduates. One potential explanation is that companies are either substituting entry-level positions with AI tools or diverting funds that might have gone to new hires towards AI investments instead.
Merchant emphasizes that the trend manifests as attrition in creative fields and declining opportunities for freelancers like artists, writers, and illustrators, as companies opt to hire fewer humans for certain tasks.
Looking Ahead
Duolingo's actions represent a significant example of how businesses are integrating AI, leading to tangible changes in workforce structure. It underscores a growing trend where efficiency gains through AI are weighed against the impact on human jobs, a dynamic likely to continue evolving across various industries.
References
- Duolingo launches 148 courses created with AI after sharing plans to replace contractors with AI - TechCrunch
- The AI Jobs Crisis Is Here, Now - Brian Merchant (Blood in the Machine)
- Duolingo cut 10% of its contractor workforce as the company embraces AI - TechCrunch
- What’s Happening to the Youth Job Market? - The Atlantic
- Is Duolingo the face of an AI jobs crisis? - TechCrunch (Source Article)
