Duolingo's Shift to AI First: A Sign of the Growing Tech-Driven Job Crisis?

Is Duolingo the Face of an AI Jobs Crisis? Duolingo has recently announced its plans to transition from using human contractors to artificial intelligence, becoming what it calls an "AI-first" company. Journalist Brian Merchant sees this shift as a stark indicator of the ongoing AI jobs crisis, emphasizing that the effects are already being felt. However, according to Merchant, this change isn't entirely novel. Duolingo began reducing its contractor workforce at the end of 2023, initially cutting about 10% of translators. This was followed by another round of layoffs in October 2024, which affected writers. In both instances, the roles previously filled by human contractors were taken over by AI systems. Merchant draws a parallel between Duolingo's actions and broader trends in the job market, particularly among recent college graduates. Reporting in The Atlantic highlights an unusually high unemployment rate for new graduates, suggesting that companies may be opting to automate entry-level white-collar positions or redirecting their budgets toward AI investments rather than hiring additional staff. This isn't a futuristic scenario where robots take over; instead, it's a result of strategic management decisions aimed at cutting labor costs and consolidating organizational control. The impact of these decisions is evident in various sectors, particularly creative industries. Freelance artists, writers, and illustrators are experiencing declining incomes, and corporations are increasingly inclined to hire fewer human workers. Merchant describes this crisis as a series of choices made by executives who are leveraging AI to reduce expenses and centralize power. He humorously likens it to "DOGE firing tens of thousands of federal employees while waving the banner of 'an AI-first strategy.'" While the idea of an AI-driven job apocalypse remains in the realm of science fiction, the real and present challenges posed by automation are undeniable. The shift at Duolingo and similar moves by other companies signal a growing trend that could reshape the employment landscape, particularly for those entering the job market or working in fields that are susceptible to automation. As more businesses embrace AI, the need for careful consideration of the ethical and economic implications becomes increasingly urgent.