In a recent Reddit thread, SUPER Duolingo subscribers voiced dissatisfaction with the latest updates to the language-learning app. The discussion began with a user boasting a remarkable 984-day streak and a position among the top 1% of learners in 2023, expressing disappointment over Duolingo's shift towards AI interpreters.
AI-Powered Translations: A Cause for Concern
Duolingo has remained free since its launch in 2012 yet subscribers recently criticized the app for being "greedy." Some of them hated the latest changes for a reason.
The concerned subscriber revealed their intention to cancel their Super Duolingo subscription due to the reported plans to lay off human interpreters in favor of AI-powered translations.
As reported by Bloomberg, it was implemented earlier this month with a 10% cut in contractors. Duolingo aims to leverage AI to generate sentences, produce translation lists, and handle user error reports.
While some are amazed at the power of AI, it did not sit well with some Duolingo users who have been using the app for a long time.
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Discussion Boards Removal is a Blow to Community Interaction
Another contentious point raised by Duolingo users was the removal of discussion boards, effective March 22, 2022. As The Sun reports, these boards served as a platform for native speakers and learners to exchange language tips, engage in conversations, and discuss resources.
What added insult to the injury is that Duolingo just launched it without any explanation. However, CEO Luis von Ahn mentioned in an August 2022 interview a desire to simplify the app and its interface.
Despite this intention, many users find the absence of discussion boards detrimental, labeling the app as "useless" and asserting that learning a new language has become more challenging without community interaction.
Duolingo's Evolution and Pricing Structure
Duolingo, launched in 2012, initially offered a completely free platform for language learners. Over time, the introduction of premium tiers, such as Super Duolingo, came with additional features for a monthly fee of approximately $7, per The Sun.
The most recent addition, Duolingo Max, introduced a yearly subscription priced at $168 (or $30 monthly). The company's update towards monetization and AI integration has sparked debates about the impact on user experience and the essence of Duolingo's appeal.
What Duolingo's CEO Says About AI
CEO Luis von Ahn justified the integration of AI, particularly generative AI, as a means to accelerate content creation.
In a shareholder letter in November, he shared the role of AI in tasks like content generation and translation. While the company clarified that no full-time employees were affected by the recent layoffs, the ongoing discontent suggests a gap in communication and understanding between Duolingo and its dedicated user base.
The recent backlash only goes to show that AI is only sometimes for good. Only some see it as useful. At the end of the day, nothing can replace the effort that humans put into work.
To sum it up, the discontent among SUPER Duolingo subscribers could serve as a wake-up call for the company to lie low on its recent changes. Balancing technological innovation with the human touch is crucial to preserving the essence of language learning and fostering a thriving community of learners.
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