Duolingo's CEO, Luis von Ahn, has announced a strategic shift towards becoming 'AI-first', aiming to reduce reliance on human contractors for tasks that can be automated.

This transition is seen as essential for scaling content production and enhancing educational features, including a new Video Call function.

While existing employees will receive AI-focused training to enhance their roles, there are concerns about job security and the potential decline in content quality.

The industry's pivot to AI-first strategies has sparked skepticism regarding AI's effectiveness in delivering quality language instruction, raising concerns about learning outcomes.

Significant backlash has emerged on social media, with users voicing dissatisfaction over the integration of AI and its implications for job security and course quality.

Questions persist about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content compared to human-created materials, which is crucial for maintaining user trust.

Critics note that Duolingo has utilized AI for years, including features like AI-generated pronunciations, yet worry about the increasing reliance on this technology.

Concerns have been raised that heavy reliance on AI could alienate customers and damage the company's reputation, risking the goodwill it has built over the years.

Despite these challenges, Duolingo's stock has risen by 68% over the past year, driven by growth in paid subscriptions and diversification into new areas like music and chess.

A study indicated that 31% of workers are hesitant to adopt AI tools due to fears of job loss and dissatisfaction with the technology's effectiveness.

The broader implications of AI on the workforce are significant, with estimates suggesting millions of jobs could be affected globally due to advancements in automation.

As Duolingo moves forward with its AI strategy, it has not disclosed how many contract positions will be eliminated or the timeline for this transition.