Language-learning software creator, Duolingo Inc., has recently undergone changes, opting to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) for content creation, resulting in a 10% reduction in contractors. The company, known for its innovative approach to language education, has embraced AI to enhance content generation speed and efficiency.

CEO Luis von Ahn mentioned in a letter to shareholders that Duolingo now leverages generative AI to swiftly create text, speech, and images, notably accelerating the production of new content. This shift in strategy includes using AI for generating scripts for language-teaching shows, a prominent feature of the Duolingo platform.

Duolingo laid off a huge percentage of their contract translators, and the remaining ones are simply reviewing AI translations to make sure they’re ‘acceptable’. This is the world we’re creating. Removing the humanity from how we learn to connect with humanity. pic.twitter.com/YdT6CTB3Kj

— Reid Southen (@Rahll) January 8, 2024

Despite the reduction in contractors, Duolingo emphasizes that this move is not a straightforward replacement of workers with AI. Many full-time employees and contractors at Duolingo actively use AI tools in their work. The company currently employs 600 full-time workers, as per its filings at the end of 2022, with the recent cutback specifically affecting contractors.

The adoption of generative AI by Duolingo reflects a broader trend in the industry, with companies increasingly turning to AI to streamline tasks traditionally handled by human workers. This shift, however, has sparked concerns among employee groups and unions, raising questions about potential downsizing driven by AI implementation.

In response to such concerns, Microsoft has announced a partnership with the AFL-CIO, focusing on AI’s impact on employment. Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized the need to bring industry and labor together to enhance the way people work, acknowledging that while AI may eliminate certain aspects of jobs, it also has the potential to accelerate productivity and eliminate repetitive tasks.

The evolving landscape of AI in the workforce is gaining attention globally. The World Economic Forum predicts significant disruption in the labor market over the next five years due to AI. While concerns about potential job displacement persist, many believe that the overall impact of AI on the job market could be positive, with employers seeking workers equipped with technical skills to navigate this transformative technology.