Duolingo is facing backlash over plans to replace contractors with AI automation. The language app’s viral TikTok and Instagram videos vanished in mid-May, sparking user outrage. Fans slammed Duolingo on social media for laying off workers to “become an AI-first company.”
The controversy hit after Duolingo announced it would automate tasks currently handled by contract workers using generative AI. This triggered a wave of performative app deletions from young users unwilling to support the company’s AI-driven layoffs—even at the cost of losing streak rewards.
The negative reaction highlights growing public resistance to AI replacing jobs. Although many Americans use ChatGPT and similar tools, frustration with AI’s impact on work and creativity is mounting. 
Duolingo spokesperson Sam Dalsimer pushed back on fears AI is replacing employees.
“AI isn’t replacing our staff”
“All AI-generated content on the platform would be created under the direction and guidance of our learning experts.”
The company will reduce non-staff contractor roles for tasks AI can automate, but maintain expert oversight.
This move follows a wider tech trend. Klarna and Salesforce have also signaled AI will cut demand for new customer service and engineering hires. Developers are selling “agents” designed to automate software tasks and shrink workforces.
Beyond job losses, critics point to AI’s frequent errors, environmental costs, mental health risks, and copyright issues from training on scraped creative work.
Artists and writers pushed back hard in 2023. The ongoing Hollywood writer’s strike and lawsuits from creatives underscore the tensions.
Brian Merchant, author of Blood in the Machine, commented on the backlash:
“I think there is a new sort of ambient animosity towards the AI systems,”
“AI companies have speedrun the Silicon Valley trajectory.”
Duolingo’s shift to AI-first could cost it loyal users and deepen resistance to automation across tech.
