Duolingo is shaking things up. CEO Luis von Ahn told staff the company will ditch some contract workers and rely more on AI. This move is part of a bigger shift to become an “AI-First” company. Von Ahn says this means changing how most things work. Small tweaks to a system designed for humans won’t cut it.
The company is introducing new ways of working, including changing how it uses contract workers. AI will play a bigger role in hiring and performance reviews. Teams that can’t be replaced by AI will get more employees.
Von Ahn says Duolingo still cares deeply about its employees. This change isn’t about replacing humans with machines. It’s about removing bottlenecks so staff can focus on creative work and real problems rather than repetitive tasks.
AI isn’t just about boosting productivity. It helps Duolingo get closer to its mission. Teaching languages effectively requires a massive amount of content. Humans alone can’t keep up with that demand.
Redefining Work
Duolingo’s shift to AI-First is a significant change. The company is rethinking its processes and how it works with contractors. This move will likely impact how other companies approach AI and automation.
The Verge first reported this story.