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Something that many people have been worried about for years seems to already be happening, though it may not be obvious.
For years, people have wondered if artificial intelligence (AI) systems will ultimately take their jobs, rendering huge portions of the human workforce obsolete. Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 kicked off the current chatbot revolution, these fears have accelerated as companies have gradually begun to replace humans with AI.
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Experts such as Microsoft founder Bill Gates have speculated that AI will replace most jobs in the coming years, predicting that people won’t be needed for the majority of tasks. Other tech leaders, including Mark Cuban, have issued contrasting takes, citing the need for humans to oversee AI systems.
However, someone else predicts that the long-predicted AI jobs crisis isn’t coming; it’s here. He points toward recent news from a popular startup as proof.
A trendy tech startup’s news may not be what it seems
Over the past year, plenty of tech companies have announced layoffs, a trend that seems to have accelerated since President Donald Trump took office. With economic conditions looking increasingly uncertain, business leaders see a clear need to prioritize efficiency and reduce expenses when possible.
Related: Microsoft introduces terrifying new AI tool, angers users
With that in mind, Duolingo’s (DUOL) recent restructuring announcement may not have turned many heads at first. After all, the popular language learning app has announced layoffs before, hinting at a gradual pivot toward an AI-centric operational model as its popularity booms.
However, company CEO Luis von Ahn recently laid out plans for a major overhaul, touting the need for Duolingo to become “AI-first.” As he put it, this means replacing human contracts with AI, as only machines can produce the amount of content that the company needs to keep growing.
“Without AI, it would take us decades to scale our content to more learners. We owe it to our learners to get them this content ASAP,” the CEO stated in an all-hands email shared on the company’s LinkedIn page.
The CEO attempted to frame this decision as being strictly in the best interest of the app’s users, claiming “this is not about replacing Duos with AI” but about creating a system in which remaining staffers can do their jobs in a more efficient manner. However, someone impacted by the company’s plans claims von Ahn is providing inaccurate information.
Technology correspondent and author Brian Merchant recently published a detailed report on this topic after speaking to a former Duolingo contractor who claimed the company has been replacing workers with AI for years, despite von Ahn framing it as a new and gradual initiative.