Duolingo Launches 148 AI-Powered Courses After AI Contractor Shift
▼ Summary
– Duolingo has launched 148 new AI-generated language courses, nearly doubling its course catalog and marking its largest content expansion.
– CEO Luis von Ahn highlighted that AI has significantly accelerated content creation, achieving in one year what previously took 12 years.
– The company’s shift to AI has faced criticism, particularly for plans to replace human contractors with automated systems.
– Users have reported concerns over declining content quality, leading to social media backlash and some deleting the app.
– Despite the controversy, Duolingo is committed to its AI-driven strategy, with new beginner courses and plans for more advanced materials later this year.
Duolingo has unveiled 148 new AI-generated language courses, marking its biggest content expansion to date. The announcement arrives amid controversy over the company’s shift toward artificial intelligence, including plans to replace human contractors with automated systems.
The language-learning platform now offers nearly double its previous course catalog, with CEO Luis von Ahn emphasizing how AI has accelerated content creation dramatically. What once took 12 years to develop manually has been achieved in roughly a year through automation. “Generative AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about delivering high-quality education faster to millions of learners,” von Ahn stated.
However, the company’s AI-first strategy has sparked criticism. Earlier this week, internal communications revealed Duolingo’s intention to phase out contractors in favor of AI-driven workflows. Von Ahn defended the decision, arguing that manual content creation couldn’t scale effectively to meet global demand. “Without AI, expanding our offerings would take decades,” he noted.
The backlash hasn’t been limited to workforce concerns. Some users report declining content quality, citing inaccuracies and less engaging lessons. Social media platforms have seen calls for boycotts, with frustrated learners deleting the app entirely.
Despite the controversy, Duolingo remains committed to its AI-driven approach. The new courses focus on beginner-level instruction, incorporating tools like interactive Stories and DuoRadio for reading and listening practice. More advanced materials are expected later this year.
The debate highlights broader tensions in edtech—balancing rapid scalability with educational integrity. While AI enables unprecedented growth, maintaining learner trust remains an ongoing challenge.
(Source: TechCrunch)
