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Duolingo, the renowned language-learning application, has recently made headlines by cutting 10% of its contractor workforce, opting for a more prominent role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation. This strategic shift comes several months after the CEO’s announcement that the company is increasingly relying on generative AI to streamline and enhance its content development processes.
The decision to reduce the contractor workforce at Duolingo was confirmed by sources cited in a Bloomberg report. The report suggests that the company is actively turning to generative AI to autonomously generate content for its language-learning app. This includes text, speech, and images used in various lessons and exercises offered by Duolingo.
The reduction in the contractor workforce appears to be a direct consequence of Duolingo’s commitment to leveraging generative AI. According to a Reddit post by an individual claiming to be a former Duolingo contractor, the company terminated a significant number of jobs in December 2023, primarily affecting those responsible for translations. The contractor revealed that Duolingo recognized the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of AI in performing translations at a faster pace. The post stated, “In December 2023, Duolingo off-boarded a huge percentage of their contractors who did translations. Of course, this is because they figured out that AI can do these translations in a fraction of the time. Plus, it saves them money.”
Notably, Duolingo had around 600 full-time employees at the end of 2022, as per company filings. The reduction in the workforce is part of the company’s broader strategy to harness the capabilities of generative AI, specifically in content creation and language translation.
A spokesperson from Duolingo clarified that the reduction in jobs does not imply a direct replacement of employees with AI technology. Instead, the company emphasizes that both its full-time employees and contractors already use technology in their work, and the reduction is a result of evolving work processes, not solely tied to the implementation of AI. The spokesperson further assured that none of the full-time employees were impacted by the cutback.
In a letter to shareholders in November, Duolingo’s CEO, Luis von Ahn, highlighted the pivotal role of generative AI technology in expediting the creation of text, speech, and images. This technology enables Duolingo to produce new content, including scripts for language-teaching shows, at a significantly accelerated pace. Additionally, AI is employed to generate voices within the app, enhancing the overall user experience.
Duolingo has not only embraced AI for efficiency but has also introduced a premium tier named Duolingo Max. This premium offering incorporates AI-generated feedback and conversations in languages other than English. The introduction of Duolingo Max represents the company’s commitment to leveraging AI not just for internal processes but also to enhance the quality and effectiveness of user interactions within the app.
The move towards generative AI aligns with broader industry trends, where technology is increasingly playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing traditional processes. Duolingo’s strategic shift reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the rapidly evolving edtech landscape. As the language-learning app continues to evolve, the integration of AI is poised to play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory.
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