Duolingo, the world’s leading language learning platform, has recently made headlines for replacing its entire team of staff members with artificial intelligence. This change has triggered a wave of backlash, with many loyal users choosing to remove the app from their devices in protest.
For years, Duolingo’s lessons were crafted by real people-linguists, translators, and educators who brought cultural nuance and personality to the content.
With the company’s new “AI-first” approach, these staff members have been let go, and the app now relies entirely on automated systems to generate lessons and interactions.
Many users have noticed the difference. Lessons feel less engaging and more repetitive, and subtle cultural references often go missing. The quirky charm that once set Duolingo apart has faded, leaving some learners feeling disconnected.
The response from the community has been swift and vocal. Social media platforms are filled with posts from former users who have uninstalled the app, citing disappointment in the loss of human involvement and concerns over the quality of AI-generated content.
“I used to love Duolingo, but it just isn’t the same without real people behind it,” one user wrote. “I’ve deleted the app and am looking for alternatives.”
Duolingo’s decision highlights a growing trend: AI is increasingly replacing human workers, not only in technology but across many industries.
A statement put out by Duolingo said: “Being AI-first means we will need to rethink how much we work. Making minor tweaks to systems designed for humans won’t get us there.”
“The email insisted it wasn’t about replacing workers of the company, but rather ‘removing bottlenecks’, so that employees can ‘focus on creative work and real problems, not repetitive tasks’.
“What doesn’t change: We will remain a company that cares deeply about its employees.”
While some argue that automation brings efficiency and scalability, others worry about job losses and the erosion of creativity, empathy, and cultural understanding.
This situation has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between technological progress and the value of human expertise.
For many, Duolingo’s move is a cautionary tale about what can be lost when companies prioritise automation over people.
