After Backlash, Duolingo CEO Backtracks On AI Push: "Don't See It Replacing..."
As per the Duolingo boss, his previous statement had not gone down well, which prompted him to follow it up internally with the employees and issue another clarifying statement.
"To be clear: I do not see AI as replacing what our employees do (we are in fact continuing to hire at the same speed as before)," Mr Von Ahn wrote in a LinkedIn post.
"I see it as a tool to accelerate what we do, at the same or better level of quality. And the sooner we learn how to use it, and use it responsibly, the better off we will be in the long run."
Mr Von Ahn said he did not exactly know "what's going to happen with AI", but added that it was fundamentally going to change how humans work.
"No one is expected to navigate this shift alone. We're developing workshops and advisory councils, and carving out dedicated experimentation time to help all our teams learn and adapt."
What did Duolingo CEO claim?
In an all-hands memo, Mr Von Ahn announced that Duolingo will be pivoting to an "AI-first" approach to scale its business. He justified the switch in approach, stating the company had taken a similar call in 2012 by betting big on mobile.
"I've said this in Q&As and many meetings, but I want to make it official: Duolingo is going to be Al-first. Al is already changing how work gets done. It's not a question of if or when. It's happening now," he said.
Apart from not using contractors anymore, Mr Von Ahn said Duolingo will use AI to evaluate performance reviews. Additionally, headcounts will only be given if a team cannot automate more of their work.
"AI isn't just a productivity boost. It helps us get closer to our mission. To teach well, we need to create a massive amount of content, and doing that manually doesn't scale."
As his post went viral, social media users slammed him for greed and taking away real jobs.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
a few seconds ago
- Economic Times
Why corporate meets are like Durga Pujo
Oh, there are few things that can top the buzz of top-notch mindfests, whether it's ET's WLF in Delhi, or WEF's powwow in Davos. But have you noticed the similarities they have with fests like Durga Pujo? Think about it - attending panels and sessions at these events is really the corporate cousin of pandal-hopping. You start with grand intentions: 'I'll attend the AI ethics panel, the tough tariffs talk, and maybe squeeze in the one on quantum tofu.' But 30 mins in, you're swinging your lanyard - the strap or cord around the neck that acts as your attendance/entry pass - and chewing the cud with someone who calls himself 'Dr Rakesh' and insists he's a thought leader in 'synergistic disruption'.Much like pujo pandals, summit panels are judged by spectacle and buzz. One has LED-lit idols, the other has videos accompanied by soft music. Both involve queues, elbowing strangers, and looking at other people looking at you being suitably moved. The moderator is the pundit doubling as pandit, chanting near-Sanskrit buzzwords like 'scalability' and 'intersectionality', with the fervour of aarti. The panelists, like deities, sit elevated, bathed in spotlight, answering questions no one asked before, with answers that leave you delightfully hungry. And the audience? A mix of devotees, sceptics, and those just here for the excellent, free coffee. Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. How an auto giant trapped global investors in an INR1,000 crore heist Fortis Healthcare still heals portfolios, but valuations are running hot. Swiggy, Tencent backer Prosus gets Rajinikanth fan to script India AI play IndiGo's GIFT City unit: Simple expansion or is there more to it than meets the eye? Stock Radar: Rico Auto stock showing signs of bottoming out after about 40% fall from highs; what should investors do now? GST rationalization: You don't become irrational; 10 stocks, from two sectors, some may get more, some less, some nothing Focus on core business and ignore the rest: 5 small-caps from different sectors with upside potential of up to 48% Multibagger or IBC - Part 20: An ICE-to-EV pivot is transforming this small-cap auto ancillary company
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
AI may not be the job killer many feared: Signs of a balanced future with automation
Early Fears of Job Losses More Nuanced Outlook from Industry Leaders You Might Also Like: AI is choosing AI over humans: New study sounds alarm on what this bias means for human intelligence and creativity Gradual Shifts Instead of Dramatic Losses The rise of artificial intelligence has sparked intense debate about its impact on employment . While early predictions focused on mass layoffs and large-scale worker displacement, recent research and labor data suggest a more measured reality. Instead of wiping out entire professions, AI may be gradually reshaping roles, creating demand for new skills, and driving efficiency in ways that could benefit both workers and businesses over AI tools such as ChatGPT entered the mainstream in 2022, business leaders quickly warned of potential disruption. Executives from Amazon, Anthropic, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted that automation could displace large numbers of workers, particularly in white-collar and administrative CEO Andy Jassy indicated that AI could reduce the company's corporate workforce, while Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei went further, suggesting that half of entry-level office jobs might disappear. The IMF similarly cautioned that AI adoption could result in a 'painful transition' for many all leaders share this bleak outlook. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has noted that while some jobs—especially in customer service—are highly vulnerable, society rarely experiences job losses at the scale predicted. Altman has offered one of the starkest assessments of AI's potential disruption. Speaking at a Federal Reserve conference, he said generative AI is not just transforming the workplace but could transform significant parts of it. He singled out customer support as the sector most vulnerable, noting that AI systems are already capable of handling everything from basic queries to complex problem-solving without human acknowledging the potential for AI to support diagnostics and patient care, he made clear that he would not want medical treatment without human oversight. His remarks highlight the limits of automation in areas requiring empathy, judgment, and ethical decision-making. In this sense, AI may serve as a co-pilot for professionals rather than a full replacement, particularly in high-stakes suggested that many of the new roles created may prove more rewarding than those CEO Jensen Huang has argued that AI will affect every role but does not necessarily spell mass job loss. Instead, he emphasized that workers risk being left behind only if they fail to adopt AI widespread concern, the numbers do not currently show mass job losses. Research from the Economic Innovation Group found no evidence of large-scale labor disruption tied to AI adoption. Unemployment among AI-exposed occupations has not spiked, and firms with AI-related roles are still maintaining strong employment levels. Martha Gimbel of Yale University's Budget Lab underscored this, noting that the impact of AI has not yet registered in labor market from MIT's GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025 also point to a more selective impact. Workforce reductions have been limited to customer support and administrative processing—areas that were already at risk before AI's rise. In contrast, industries such as healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing have reported no significant cutbacks. The report concluded that generative AI's influence on employment remains gradual and than eliminating jobs outright, AI is transforming what employers value in candidates. Companies are now prioritizing AI literacy, with some reporting that new graduates often outperform experienced professionals in this area. Experts believe AI will increasingly handle repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on problem-solving, creativity, and higher-value to Daniel Zhao, chief economist at Glassdoor, the long-term outcome is still uncertain. The rapid pace of AI development means its full effect on the labor market may only be felt in the coming years. Columbia Business School professor Stephan Meier expects that AI will transform tasks within jobs rather than eliminate entire positions, but the pace of this change will depend on how quickly businesses integrate the fears of widespread AI-driven unemployment remain strong, current evidence suggests a more balanced picture. The technology is beginning to alter tasks and hiring priorities, but its broader disruption has yet to materialize.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
MBA= Master Of Bluff Administration? LinkedIn User's Fake Harvard Degree Sparks Backlash
A LinkedIn user faked a Harvard MBA for fun, sparking debate after recruiters praised his profile. SMB Attorney warned against such deception, citing legal and career risks. News18 A LinkedIn user faked a Harvard MBA on his profile 'just for fun" and shared the experiment online, triggering widespread debate. According to his post, the false credentials immediately enhanced his credibility with recruiters and professional contacts. However, the stunt drew sharp criticism from lawyer SMB Attorney, who cautioned against such deceptive practices. 'Master's degrees are useless. I gave myself one on LinkedIn just for fun (there's no verification process). Since adding this to my profile, the DMs have been flowing in. Every other message mentions how 'impressive" my academic background is. So instead of spending $100K+ and wasting years of your life on a degree, just add it to your LinkedIn. No one checks. No one questions. Fake it till you make it has never been easier," the LinkedIn user wrote. Guys, do not do this. And, yes, this is legal advice. — SMB Attorney (@SMB_Attorney) August 18, 2025 The post sparked debate, with some users labelling it foolish and potentially harmful to one's career, while others found the stunt amusing. One commenter highlighted that detailed background checks can expose falsified credentials and warned that such dishonesty can lead to serious repercussions. A few users drew parallels with the TV show Suits, sharing stories of fictional characters facing consequences for similar deception. Others weighed in on the legal aspects, with one user pointing out that while misrepresenting information on LinkedIn or a resume may not be illegal, fabricating credentials is. One user wrote, 'Why did bro snitch on himself. That's like Mike Ross walking into the Prosecutor's office, turning on a loudspeaker and saying he successfully frauded his way to the top." 'Why just a masters when you can give yourself a doctorate? Seriously, guys, don't undersell yourself," added the other. A third noted, 'As a person who has hired quite a few people, Background checking is a thing. Sterling will check every single credential and job in your history. Making a mistake by a month or two on a job timeline is one thing, but substantially lying about your credentials is foolish." 'I used to do a lot of interviews. Many respondents were Indians, and most had fake degrees and job histories. Based on how many HR hired, I would say that they get away with it just fine," added the other. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
