Is Duolingo Signaling an AI Job Crisis on the Horizon?

Duolingo has recently revealed intentions to transition to an "AI-first" company by replacing contractors with artificial intelligence. This development has been highlighted by journalist Brian Merchant, who argues that it is indicative of the ongoing AI jobs crisis.

Merchant pointed out that this shift isn’t a new occurrence for Duolingo; the company had already laid off approximately 10% of its contractor workforce at the end of 2023, initially affecting translators and subsequently targeting writers in a round of layoffs in October 2024. Both instances saw AI taking over the roles previously held by humans.

Further discussion around this trend includes an article from The Atlantic, which discusses the rise in unemployment among recent college graduates. One possible reason for this trend is that companies are opting to replace entry-level positions with AI or reallocating funds to AI initiatives instead of hiring new workers.

Merchant elaborated that this crisis stems from managerial decisions made by executives looking to reduce labor costs while consolidating control, leading to job losses particularly within creative fields. This phenomenon is not portrayed as a dramatic robotic takeover but rather as a series of calculated moves by businesses to minimize their workforce under the banner of an AI-first strategy.

For more information, read the full analysis on the AI jobs crisis and Duolingo’s initiatives to replace human roles with AI here.

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