Duolingo CEO Responds to AI-First Backlash, Assures Employees Their Jobs Are Safe

Duolingo CEO Addresses AI Strategy Concerns, Assures No Job Cuts

Luis von Ahn, CEO and co-founder of Duolingo, has stepped forward to clarify the company’s “AI-first” approach after weeks of internal unease and external criticism. In a recent LinkedIn post, he admitted his initial message caused confusion and sought to provide clear reassurance to employees and stakeholders about the role of artificial intelligence at Duolingo.

“One of the most important things leaders can do is provide clarity,” von Ahn wrote. “When I released my AI memo a few weeks ago, I didn’t do that well.”

AI Will Complement, Not Replace, Duolingo Employees

Von Ahn was clear: Duolingo’s employees—known internally as “Duos”—are not at risk of being replaced by AI. “I do not see AI as replacing what our employees do (we are in fact continuing to hire at the same speed as before),” he said. He acknowledged that AI introduces uncertainty but encouraged a mindset of curiosity over fear.

To help teams adjust, Duolingo is rolling out workshops, advisory councils, and dedicated time for AI experimentation. The goal is to accelerate workflows without sacrificing quality. Von Ahn emphasized, “We’d rather move with urgency and take occasional small hits on quality than move slowly and miss that moment.”

What Triggered the Backlash?

The controversy started with an internal memo where von Ahn outlined plans to reduce reliance on contractors for tasks AI can handle. This aligns with Duolingo’s broader shift to an AI-first model, which has already enabled rapid expansion of course offerings through generative AI.

Despite ongoing hiring, the company cut about 10% of its contractor workforce by January 2024, citing efficiency gains from AI. A former contractor, speaking anonymously, noted that these cuts aimed to reduce costs and speed production. Many employees saw this move as a potential precursor to larger workforce changes.

Similar Moves by Other Companies

Duolingo is not alone. Companies like Shopify and Klarna have announced similar AI-first strategies. Klarna’s CEO recently claimed its chatbot now performs the equivalent work of 700 customer service agents. However, resistance is growing. A recent study found 31% of workers have refused to use AI tools at work, often due to concerns about job security or dissatisfaction with the technology itself.

Looking Ahead

Von Ahn remains optimistic about integrating AI responsibly. “Our mission isn’t changing,” he said. “But the tools we use to build new things will change.” For executives steering their organizations through AI adoption, Duolingo’s approach highlights the importance of transparent communication and supporting employees during transitions.

For leaders seeking practical guidance on AI adoption and workforce integration, resources like Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer actionable insights to help teams adapt effectively.