Duolingo Cuts 10% of Contractor Workforce, Embraces AI
Duolingo, the popular language-learning app, has become the latest company to turn to artificial intelligence (AI) as a reason for job cuts. The company confirmed that it has reduced its contractor workforce by approximately 10% at the end of 2023, as it looks to streamline content production and translations using AI models like OpenAI’s GPT-4.
The widespread use of AI language models, such as ChatGPT, has the potential to impact a range of job roles, including those involving language-based tasks. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs report, AI is expected to transform 23% of jobs within the next five years.
The Duolingo job cuts were first brought to light by a Reddit user, No_Comb_4582, who shared an email from the company confirming their offboarding as a contractor on December 15. No_Comb_4582 explained that Duolingo attributed the cuts to the capabilities of AI, stating that it can generate content, translations, and alternative translations, eliminating the need for human translators. The company now retains a small number of individuals in each team referred to as content curators, whose role is to review and validate the output generated by AI.
In response to these claims, a Duolingo spokesperson clarified that GPT is utilized for sentence translation, and human experts ensure the quality of the output aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards. The company also employs GPT-4 for its premium subscription tier, Duolingo Max, to provide AI-generated feedback and offer a chatbot for conversational practice. Duolingo has also developed its own proprietary AI model, Birdbrain, which personalizes lesson content.
Despite Duolingo’s assertion that these were not layoffs, but rather the natural conclusion of projects, the job cuts have not been well-received by contractors or Duolingo users. This situation further fuels concerns about the impact of AI on human employment. Contractors, in particular, face job insecurity with limited opportunities for permanent employment due to their irregular work histories.
One Reddit user, @bvnnyjungkook, who claimed to be a Duolingo contractor, highlighted that a majority of the company’s workforce consists of contractors, often an indicator of cost-saving measures for companies. Contractors lack benefits like insurance coverage, paid time off, and sick leave, which further compounds the struggles they face.
Furthermore, Duolingo users are worried that AI translations may compromise the value of human experts who possess a deeper understanding of languages, idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances.
As AI continues to transform various industries, the Duolingo case underscores the ongoing debate surrounding job displacement and the need for reskilling or upskilling to adapt to rapidly evolving technological advancements. While AI offers efficiency and convenience, it is crucial to strike a balance that preserves human expertise and ensures that the benefits of technological progress are maximized for society.
In conclusion, Duolingo’s decision to implement AI technology for content production and translations has led to a reduction in its contractor workforce. The impact of AI on job roles is a growing concern, and the use of large language models like GPT-4 has the potential to revolutionize various industries.
