Duolingo is shifting its focus on employee evaluations concerning the use of artificial intelligence. CEO Luis von Ahn announced on April 28, 2025, that the company will no longer assess employees based on their AI usage, a decision that comes after a year of implementing an “AI-first” approach. This reversal follows significant public backlash and dissatisfaction from users who felt the metric was not aligned with genuine job performance.
In a recent podcast interview, von Ahn highlighted feedback from employees who expressed concerns about the potential for AI to overshadow actual work contributions. He clarified that while AI can enhance productivity, it should not be mandatory in every employee's role. This new direction contrasts with other companies like Meta and Omnisend, which continue to emphasize AI engagement in their workplaces.
A survey from WalkMe revealed that over a third of employees are hesitant to use AI, fearing workflow disruptions and job security threats. Von Ahn's previous comments about AI replacing contractors had raised concerns, but he has since reassured that human engineers remain vital in the workforce, stating, “AI is not yet better at coding than humans.”