Duolingo is implementing an "AI-first" strategy to streamline its operations by reducing dependency on human contract workers in favor of AI technologies. CEO Luis von Ahn has articulated this strategy in a recent employee memo, explaining that the shift is aimed at enhancing productivity and allowing staff to focus on more creative tasks. Duolingo plans to reward the use of AI in hiring processes and performance assessments while reassuring employees that the transition will support their professional development through training and mentorship. This strategic pivot follows a previous cut in contractor numbers as part of its ongoing commitment to efficiency.
AI is already changing how work gets done. When there's a shift this big, the worst thing you can do is wait.
Duolingo will remain a company that cares deeply about its employees... being AI-first wasn't about replacing workers with AI but about allowing existing employees to focus on creative work.
The company will shift workloads from contractors to AI and gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle.
Duolingo bet big on mobile in 2012, focusing on creating a mobile-first app at a time when mobile apps were primarily companions for full-fledged websites.
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