Duolingo, one of the most popular language-learning apps around, is facing a lot of criticism and backlash after its CEO, Luis von Ahn, announced that the company is aiming for an "AI-First" approach.

Luis von Ahn's bold statement in favor of artificial intelligence divided users, employees and critics alike, escalating to a PR crisis nightmare and even discourse about a "mass unfollow" campaign among the millions of followers the brand had accumulated across social media platforms.

Let's understand why Duolingo wants to integrate AI into its future projects, the immediate backlash from users and the discussions about the future of the education app and its employees amid the ongoing controversy.

What Is The 'Duolingo AI-First' Controversy?

The Duolingo AI controversy started when the app posted an internal email sent by its CEO, Luis von Ahn, on LinkedIn, stating that the company would now prioritize artificial intelligence in future projects and operations.

More specifically, the application disclosed plans to "gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle," aiming to automate content creation and other tasks that were traditionally performed by humans.

The message also emphasized that the move was about removing bottlenecks and scaling operations efficiently, not replacing employees.

However, that didn't stop a wave of criticism, memes and online protests over the interpretation that Duolingo could lay off people and replace them with AI.

Why Is Duolingo Focusing On AI Content?

Duolingo's push toward an "AI-first" approach is explained in Luis von Ahn's email, which claims that developing approximately 100 courses took nearly 12 years, but with AI, the company can produce nearly 150 language courses in just about a year.

On May 2nd, 2025, Luis von Ahn gave an exclusive interview to Bloomberg to comment on the backlash and criticism received after the app's controversial statement, saying his message was misunderstood and that it's unlikely for his company to hire new contractors to do a job AI could do.

"Already at the moment, you know, most of the things that AI can do, we're not hiring contractors to do so," he said.

How Did People React To The 'Duolingo's 'AI-First' Controversy'?

Duolingo's massive social media presence seemingly worked against it as millions of followers started to post memes and criticisms against the company's "AI-first" message.

On TikTok, a viral video by user @nirami1 on May 1st, 2025, humorously depicted people's reactions, garnering millions of views and likes in just four days.

@nirami1 oh Duolingo #duolingo #ai ♬ original sound – SAINTED

Other users announced they were deleting the app, with some posting photos of their "streaks" ending after years of use, accompanied by sarcastic captions condemning the app's stance on AI.

For instance, on May 1st, 2025, X user @CtearArt posted a screenshot of their "day streak" being terminated after "deciding to resign due to the apps use of AI (and horrible UI) this streak was my whole personality for a few years but now I'm cool enough to dump it."

What Are Some Notable 'Duolingo's 'AI-First Controversy' Memes?

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For the full history of Duolingo's AI-First Controversy, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's entry for even more information.